Fish and Folk Maritime Exhibition at Reykjavík Maritime Museum

This exhibition at the Reykjavík Maritime Museum explores the transformative 150-year history of the Icelandic fishing industry. It follows the evolution of maritime practices from the era of traditional rowing boats in the late 19th century to the advanced industrial vessels of the 21st century.

Fish & folk – 150 years of fisheries documents the profound impact of the fishing industry on Icelandic society and identity. Through a range of historical artifacts and photographs, the exhibition chronicles the technological and social shifts that defined the nation's maritime heritage over the past century and a half. Visitors are invited to explore the transition from manual, rowing-based fishing methods to the sophisticated, large-scale industrial operations that characterize modern Icelandic fisheries. The display highlights the lives of the people behind these developments, illustrating how innovation and adaptation shaped the country's economic and cultural landscape from the late 1800s to the present day.