National Gallery of Iceland: Record Openings, Curator Tours, and Summer Programmes in Reykjavík
The National Gallery of Iceland has experienced a historic opening weekend following the launch of two major concurrent exhibitions: echolalia by Björk and Transformations (also referred to as Metamorphlings) by James Merry. According to the institution, the double exhibition opening drew the highest attendance figures ever recorded in the museum's history.
Visitors looking to experience these widely discussed presentations can explore further details directly through the current exhibitions overview.
Curator-Led Tours and Deep Dives
To help visitors unpack the creative worlds behind the new displays, the gallery has scheduled special guided walks. Curator Pari Stave is set to host a dedicated gallery walkthrough, offering closer insights into the intersection of Björk's artistic vision and James Merry's intricate design work. The tour will be conducted entirely in English, and regular admission rates apply for attendees.
For those eager to understand the underlying themes ahead of a visit, Björk recently discussed her collaboration with James Merry, along with broader topics like environmental advocacy and technology, during an appearance on the RÚV radio programme. Listeners can tune into the conversation via the Lestin broadcast archive.
Seasonal Workshops and Family Offerings
The gallery’s historic Fríkirkjuvegur building is also hosting its annual series of creative workshops in the museum art studio. Led by instructors Helena Reynisdóttir and Melkorka Helgadóttir, these morning sessions are designed to encourage younger participants to engage with nature, form, and color through hands-on practice.
While older age groups have reached full capacity, limited spots remain open for select younger cohorts. Families interested in securing a place can check availability and sign up via the Abler registration portal.
Exhibition Catalogue and Museum Shop Highlights
In step with the summer programme, the museum shop at Fríkirkjuvegur has introduced a specialized collection of merchandise tied directly to the current artwork displays.
Most notably, a comprehensive new publication has been released to accompany the shows. The catalogue features contributions from notable writers and critics, including a discussion between the artists moderated by Oddný Eir, an essay by Hólmar Hólm examining a decade of James Merry's sculptural headwear and craft, a dialogue addressing grief with poet Ocean Vuong, and perspectives shared with curator Hans Ulrich Obrist. Physical copies can be purchased directly through the National Gallery online store.
As the institution prepares for its summer schedule, the National Gallery of Iceland by Tjörnin pond—alongside its partner locations—remains accessible daily. For more details on planning a trip, visitors can consult the official ticketing and visitor information page. To discover more cultural highlights across the city, you can explore the Reykjavik museum guide or browse the interactive museum map on Musemap (musemap.art).
