Reykjavík
Icelandic heritage

National Museum of Iceland

Journey from settlement to the present day through cultural history in Reykjavík.

HistoryLocal heritageDesignPhotography

Explore Iceland's cultural legacy at the national museum, featuring a permanent exhibition on the making of the nation. Visitors can discover ancient artifacts, historic clothing, and unique items like the first Icelandic Bible and silver craftsmanship.

The National Museum of Iceland preserves and displays artifacts tracing the nation's cultural history from the settlement era to modern times.

National Museum of Iceland
Exploring the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík preserves and displays the country's cultural heritage from early settlement to modern times. Its permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation, guides visitors through medieval history using archaeological finds and historic artifacts. Notable treasures on display include traditional clothing, the 1584 Bible, and a tiny statue of Thor.

Exterior view of the National Museum of Iceland building with a sign in front and flags hanging from the facade under a clear blue sky.
National Museum of Iceland opening hours in Reykjavík

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for National Museum of Iceland. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Reykjavík.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
Visitor amenities at the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland offers a range of facilities to enhance the visitor experience, including an onsite café and a museum shop featuring books and Icelandic designs. Guests can participate in guided tours of the collections, while families will find dedicated spaces and events tailored for younger visitors. These amenities are designed to provide both comfort and educational engagement throughout a visit in Reykjavik.

Children's Culture Festival

Available

Café

Available
Extra charge

Guided tours

Available

Museum shop

Available
Family visits at the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland provides educational resources that help families explore the history of daily life, children's games, and societal roles in rural Iceland. Visitors can access engaging materials such as personal audio stories from the past and guided projects for creating traditional toys and games, supporting a deeper connection to Icelandic heritage.

The National Museum of Iceland offers educational resources exploring the historical lives, work, and games of children.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Access to historical audio accounts of children's lives from the museum's exhibition.
  • Educational guides on traditional Icelandic games, toys, and pastimes.
  • Practical project ideas for families, such as creating DIY traditional balls and board games.
  • Insights into the history of children's work and societal roles in rural Iceland.

Activities and resources for children

Activity sheet

Educational Package: Children's lives and games before

A comprehensive digital resource exploring historical games, work, and daily life of children in Iceland.

Kids audio guide

Stories from the Past Audio Files

A collection of audio files featuring personal stories from children about their lives.

Museum pass access at the National Museum of Iceland

Visitors can access the National Museum of Iceland using select city-wide sightseeing passes. These programs provide convenient entry options for those exploring the extensive cultural history and archaeological collections preserved here. Please verify the specific access terms and conditions provided by your chosen pass before your arrival.

National Museum of Iceland Location and Orientation

The National Museum of Iceland is located at Suðurgata 41 in the Háskóli neighborhood of Reykjavík. Situated near the university campus just a short walk from the historic city center, this cultural spot provides an accessible starting point for exploring the capital's heritage. Its convenient setting makes it easy for visitors to combine a gallery tour with surrounding cultural and historical attractions.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Suðurgata 41

102 Reykjavík

Háskóli, Höfuðborgarsvæðið, IS

Planning Your Visit to the National Museum of Iceland

When planning a visit to the National Museum of Iceland in the Háskóli neighborhood of Reykjavík, allocate sufficient time to explore the permanent exhibitions. For those arriving by car, convenient on-site parking is available at the venue. Navigating the galleries at a self-guided, relaxed pace allows you to experience the nation's heritage from settlement to the present day.

Planning Your Visit to the National Museum of Iceland

The Core Visitor Experience at the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík offers a rich journey through the nation's cultural history from the settlement era to the modern age. The visitor experience centers on the permanent exhibition, 'Making of a Nation,' which chronologically traces Iceland's heritage. Among the highlights are medieval metalwork, traditional costumes, and the historic 1584 Icelandic Bible. This collection is complemented by rotating contemporary photography displays. Visitors can also browse the museum shop for silver jewelry replicas or relax at the onsite café.

A white coffee cup with the National Museum of Iceland logo sits on a tray alongside a muffin, with a vase of dried wheat and flowers behind it near a large window.

History of the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík was established on 24 February 1863 as the Antiquarian Collection, with Jón Árnason serving as its first curator. The institution was renamed in 1911 and relocated to its permanent home at Suðurgata 41 in 1950, after spending decades housed in local attics. Throughout its development, figures like second curator Sigurður Guðmundsson were instrumental in preserving these *national cultural treasures*.

  • Established on 24 February 1863

    1863Founding

    The National Museum of Iceland was established on 24 February 1863. At its founding, Jón Árnason served as the first curator of the Icelandic collection, which had previously been housed in Danish museums.

  • Sigurður Guðmundsson promotes antiquarian collection

    Notable person

    Sigurður Guðmundsson, serving as the second curator, was instrumental in advocating for the creation of an antiquarian collection for the museum.

  • Renamed to National Museum of Iceland in 1911

    1911Milestone

    Initially known as the Antiquarian Collection, the museum underwent a formal name change to the National Museum of Iceland in 1911.

  • Settled at Suðurgata 41 in 1950

    1950Relocation

    Before moving to its current permanent location at Suðurgata 41 in 1950, the museum was housed in various attics throughout Reykjavík, including spending 40 years in the attic of the Culture House.

Handy FAQs for the National Museum of Iceland

Planning a trip to the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik but unsure how long you will wander? While we cannot predict your museum pace, we can verify that the on-site café serves refreshments daily from 11:00 to 16:00, and the gift shop is ready for souvenir hunting until 17:00.

How do I contact the National Museum of Iceland?

Direct contact details for the National Museum of Iceland are not currently provided. We recommend checking their official website for active visitor information channels.

What is the phone number for the National Museum of Iceland?

The official phone number for contacting the National Museum of Iceland is not specified in our current database.

Is there an email address for National Museum of Iceland visitor inquiries?

A public email address for reaching visitor support at the National Museum of Iceland is not listed at this time.

Do you need a reservation to visit the National Museum of Iceland?

Information regarding reservation requirements or timed entry tickets for the National Museum of Iceland is not specified. We recommend checking with the museum directly before arriving.

Planning Your Visit to the National Museum of Iceland

Planning a visit to the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik allows you to explore the country's rich history through a self-guided tour at your own pace. To enhance the experience, guided tours are also available for individuals and groups seeking a more structured overview of the collections. Between exploring the galleries, visitors can stop by the onsite café for refreshments or browse the museum shop for unique crafts, replicas, and books. The venue provides onsite parking and offers dedicated family-friendly exhibits, making it a comfortable and educational experience for all ages.

Visitor Experience at the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík is well-suited for travelers looking to explore local history, cultural heritage, design, and photography. The chronological exhibitions cater to a wide audience, offering engaging elements for families with children, student groups, and visitors with accessibility needs. Guests can discover the artifacts at their own pace through a self-guided experience or opt for organized guided tours. The inclusion of an onsite café and a dedicated museum shop further ensures a comfortable and accommodating visit for all types of history enthusiasts.

Visual Highlights of the National Museum of Iceland

Preview the rich cultural heritage on display at the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík. Images of the venue highlight its modern, cylindrical exterior architecture alongside historic treasures showcased inside the galleries. Visitors can expect to see beautifully preserved medieval artifacts, such as the intricately carved Valþjófsstaður wooden door depicting a knight and detailed mythical motifs.

Exterior view of the National Museum of Iceland building with a sign in front and flags hanging from the facade under a clear blue sky.
Red logo of the National Museum of Iceland featuring a stylized sword and shield icon alongside the Icelandic text Þjóðminjasafn Íslands on a black background
Wide exterior view of the National Museum of Iceland building, a multi-story concrete structure with vertical banners and a low wall sign under a clear blue sky.
Three silver cross-shaped pendants hanging on chains against a solid black background.
Close-up of wood carving tools and a mallet on a green cutting mat next to a carved wooden block depicting a mountainous landscape.
Exterior view of the National Museum of Iceland showing its distinctive cylindrical building with white dome roof, glass entrance facade, surrounded by autumn trees and a parking area under a partly cloudy blue sky
Modern museum building with a curved cylindrical facade section and a row of white flagpoles with red and green logos in the foreground under a blue sky
A white coffee cup with the National Museum of Iceland logo sits on a tray alongside a muffin, with a vase of dried wheat and flowers behind it near a large window.
Silver pendant featuring a wolf and bird intertwined in Norse animal art style, photographed against a black background
Silver ring with multiple parallel bands photographed against a black background
Reykjavík

Find Museums and Cultural Attractions to Visit in Reykjavík

Locate historical exhibits and art collections in Iceland.

Search for your next cultural stop in the Icelandic capital. Discover venues dedicated to maritime history, ancient settlement sagas, and modern creativity. Identify cultural attractions that match your personal interests for an enriching trip.

Explore National Museum of Iceland with Reykjavík
Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Reykjavík
Find everything about National Museum of Iceland in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
Discover nearby museums similar to National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík and plan your next cultural stop with confidence.
These recommendations prioritize real proximity to National Museum of Iceland and help you find high-fit alternatives faster across Reykjavík.
Use this curated list to compare museums near National Museum of Iceland without opening multiple search pages. Each card gives you fast visual context and direct access to key details so you can decide quickly. If you are building a full day in Reykjavík, this section helps you chain nearby visits with less planning effort.