Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir
About Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir
Kjarvalsstaðir is the branch of Reykjavík Art Museum built around the work of Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885–1972), the painter whose moss-and-lava landscapes shaped how Icelanders see their own country. It sits at Flókagata 24 on the edge of Klambratún park, about 1 km east of Hallgrímskirkja.
Architect Hannes Kr. Davíðsson designed the low concrete building, and it opened to the public in 1973. Slender columns hold up a long copper-clad roof, and the glass-walled lobby looks straight out onto the lawns of the park. It was the first building in Iceland designed and built for public art exhibitions.
Kjarvalsstaðir museum keeps a selection of Kjarval's paintings on show year-round, while the other rooms rotate through Icelandic and international painting and sculpture. Plan on an hour or so for both wings. The bistro in the lobby serves food and coffee, and its window tables are a good spot to sit out a rain shower.
Kjarvalsstaðir is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00, with late opening until 22:00 on the last Thursday of each month. It closes on December 24, 25 and 31, January 1 and Easter Sunday, and opens 13:00–17:00 on December 26.
An adult ticket costs 2,550 ISK and students pay 1,550 ISK, while visitors under 18 and disabled visitors get in free. The same ticket is valid for 24 hours at Hafnarhús and Ásmundarsafn too, and the Reykjavík City Card covers entry.
Parking at Kjarvalsstaðir is right in front of the building, with two disabled spaces by the main door. A ramp leads to an automatic door and the galleries are all on one floor, so the whole museum works for wheelchair users.
Good to know
What are the opening hours of Kjarvalsstaðir?
Kjarvalsstaðir is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and until 22:00 on the last Thursday of the month. It's closed December 24, 25 and 31, January 1 and Easter Sunday.
How much does it cost to visit Kjarvalsstaðir?
An adult ticket is 2,550 ISK and a student ticket is 1,550 ISK. Under-18s and disabled visitors enter free, and the Reykjavík City Card covers admission.
Does one ticket cover all Reykjavík Art Museum sites?
Yes. A general ticket is valid for 24 hours at Kjarvalsstaðir, Hafnarhús and Ásmundarsafn.
Who was Jóhannes Kjarval?
Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885–1972) was one of Iceland's most important painters, known for close-up studies of lava, moss and mountains. Kjarvalsstaðir keeps a selection of his work on show year-round.
Is there parking at Kjarvalsstaðir?
Yes. There are plenty of spaces in front of the building, including two disabled spaces by the main entrance, plus bike racks in the courtyard.
Is Kjarvalsstaðir wheelchair accessible?
Yes. A ramp leads to an automatic door, all galleries are on the ground floor, and there are accessible toilets and a wheelchair to borrow at the cloakroom.
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