Explore the evolution of Icelandic photography from historical preservation to cutting-edge contemporary works. Discover diverse exhibitions featuring local talent, community photography clubs, and a vast archive that captures moments in time from 1860 to the present day.
This dedicated photography museum presents historic images and contemporary work, celebrating Iceland's photographic heritage from 1860 to the modern era.
The Reykjavík Museum of Photography serves as a vital preservation center and exhibition space in Reykjavík. The museum curates a massive archive spanning from 1860 to the present day, capturing both historic milestones and everyday life. Visitors can explore dynamic exhibitions showcasing established figures, community displays in the SKOTIÐ gallery, and emerging contemporary photography talents.
The Reykjavík Museum of Photography is located at Tryggvagata 15 in central Reykjavík. Situated on the top floor of the Grófin building, the museum is easily accessible for those exploring the Capital Region. Visitors can easily integrate a visit to the photography galleries into their walking tour of the surrounding city center.
Tryggvagata 15
101 Reykjavík
Capital Region, IS
The Reykjavík Museum of Photography in Reykjavík serves as a premier venue for exploring the visual history and contemporary art of Iceland. Its extensive archive spans from 1860 to the modern era, capturing vital social developments, local heritage, and everyday moments. Visitors encounter a dynamic rotation of exhibitions featuring established artists, emerging local talents, and community photography groups. Dedicated exhibition spaces like SKOTIÐ highlight specialized displays, while the onsite shop and public database enhance the visitor experience.
Permanent site-specific outdoor basalt installation on Viðey Island.
Learn about this significant sculpture project consisting of nine pairs of basalt columns. Originally commissioned in 1990, the permanent work interacts uniquely with the surrounding landscape of Viðey Island.
Milestones Exhibition
Step inside a reconstructed Icelandic home from around 1925.
Walk through recreated dining and living quarters to experience early twentieth-century domestic life. See how architectural history and Icelandic household traditions shaped daily living in a historic house originally constructed in 1833.
Suðurgata 7 Exhibition
A monumental light installation conceived by Yoko Ono.
Discover a unique outdoor art installation dedicated to hope and unity. Projecting light into the night sky, this symbol of peace invites reflection. Plan your ferry trip to Viðey Island to see this conceptual masterpiece in person.
Exhibition Details
A reconstructed mid-century home illustrating Icelandic social history.
Take an intimate look at the domestic realities of a working-class Icelandic family during the mid-20th century. This historical display features a carefully reconstructed period interior that preserves personal narratives from the era.
Exhibition Details
One hundred and fifty years of Icelandic maritime history.
Delve into the transformation of the Icelandic fishing industry from late nineteenth-century rowing boats to modern commercial fleets. Learn about the technological and social shifts that defined the maritime heritage of the nation.
Fish & Folk Exhibition
Discover Reykjavík school childhood history from 1898 to 1974.
Experience a curated journey into the historical school life of Reykjavík. View rare archival photographs, including works by photographer Sigurhans Vignir, that illustrate the evolution of childhood and primary education.
View Exhibition Details
Candid urban photography by the Icelandic FÓKUS club.
See how local amateur photographers capture the decisive moment in everyday city environments. This group showcase by FÓKUS explores urban life through a series of candid shots in the Skotið space.
Street Scenes Exhibition
The legacy of Paul Gaimard's scientific expedition.
Delve into the 1835-1836 French expedition that documented nineteenth-century Icelandic culture and landscape. See how these historical findings influenced the nation's identity and global standing.
Exhibition DetailsEstablished in 1981 as a private collection, the Reykjavík Museum of Photography was renamed in 1987 when the city of Reykjavík assumed operational control. The museum moved to its Tryggvagata home in 2000, and was later integrated into a larger municipal consortium in 2014. Preserving local heritage dating back to 1860, this notable institution was **recognized by The Guardian** in 2014 as one of the ten best free museums in Europe.
Visual previews of the Reykjavík Museum of Photography highlight its striking home inside the Grófarhús building in Reykjavík. Inside, the modern gallery spaces feature clean white walls displaying historic black-and-white photography next to a curved green staircase. Visitors can also spot unique interactive features, such as a playful wooden camera structure with a bright red seat.
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.
