National Museum of Iceland
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About National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands) is the country's main museum of cultural history, at Suðurgata 41 in central Reykjavík, close to the University of Iceland and the Tjörnin pond. It was founded in 1863 and has been in its current building since 1950.
The core of a visit is the permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation: Heritage and History in Iceland. It sets out around 2,000 objects in chronological order, from the Viking Age settlement through the medieval period and the Reformation to the 20th century, so you can follow how life on the island changed over more than a thousand years. Well-known pieces include a small bronze figure thought to represent the god Thor and the carved medieval church door from Valþjófsstaður, decorated with a knight-and-lion legend and runic writing. Temporary exhibitions run alongside the permanent display.
The museum is a good first stop in Reykjavík before travelling around the country, because it gives context for the sagas, turf houses, churches and farming and fishing life you will see elsewhere. It is also an easy indoor option on a wet or dark winter day. Allow about two hours to see the permanent exhibition properly.
The museum lists its opening hours as 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is 3,300 ISK for adults and 1,600 ISK for students and seniors, and entry is free for children under 18 and people with disabilities. The museum shop is open during museum hours, but the café is currently closed. Hours can change on public holidays and between seasons, so check the museum's website before you go. It is a short walk from the city centre.
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Good to know
How much does the National Museum of Iceland cost?
Adult tickets are 3,300 ISK, students and seniors pay 1,600 ISK, and children under 18 and people with disabilities enter free.
What are the opening hours of the National Museum of Iceland?
The museum lists its hours as 10:00 to 17:00; check its website for public holiday and seasonal changes.
How long do you need at the National Museum of Iceland?
Plan on about two hours to see the permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation, and any temporary shows.
What is in the National Museum of Iceland?
The permanent exhibition shows around 2,000 objects from the Viking Age settlement to the 20th century, including the carved Valþjófsstaður church door.
Where is the National Museum of Iceland?
It is at Suðurgata 41 in central Reykjavík, within walking distance of the city centre and Tjörnin pond.
Is there a café at the National Museum of Iceland?
The museum café is temporarily closed, though the museum shop is open during opening hours.
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