Discover the A View of the North History Exhibition in Reykjavík

This exhibition explores the ambitious 1835-1836 French scientific expedition to Iceland led by Paul Gaimard, which documented the nation's culture, society, and landscape. It highlights how these findings, captured in comprehensive volumes and illustrations, helped shape both international perceptions of Iceland and the nation's own identity and pride.

A View of the North chronicles the journey of French physician and adventurer Paul Gaimard, who arrived in Iceland in 1835 while searching for the missing naval vessel La Lilloise. Instead, he and his team of scholars and artists undertook the most significant scientific expedition to Iceland from abroad during the 19th century. Their extensive travels under challenging conditions resulted in the publication of twelve volumes, including three dedicated to illustrations, which remain a foundational resource for understanding 19th-century Icelandic life. The exhibition examines how this scientific work influenced Iceland's image internationally and inspired a sense of national pride and a desire for self-determination among the Icelandic people. It also incorporates poetic reflections from Jónas Hallgrímsson and excerpts from travellers' journals, providing a vivid sense of the landscape and the romanticized view of the island at that time. Developed as a collaboration between the Reykjavík City Museum and the University of Iceland, the exhibition was curated by students of the university's Cultural Studies Programme.

The exhibition is hosted at the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. Visitors are encouraged to check the official museum website for current admission details and opening hours before planning their visit.