With over 2,000 artefacts, including photographs and multi-media exhibits, the National Museum of Iceland follows Iceland’s history from the first Viking settlements through to the present day. The 2004 renovation of the entire building included installing a sleek, state-of-the-art exhibition space. These interactive displays provide visitors of all ages with a hands-on learning experience. Talk on the telephone with a chieftain from the middle ages or try on ancient jewellery and armour.
Begin exploring the four exhibits of the main, permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation, which demonstrates the events that led Iceland to nationhood. In the first exhibit, Work and the Way of Life, see 2,000 artefacts including objects from the Viking era. Discover how Icelanders survived, their resilience and adaptability during the first settlements in 870 and ponder the question 'what makes a nation?' In the second section are exhibits about the settlement patterns of Iceland. In the third, see the evolution of arts and crafts, and in the final section, learn about the social culture and language of the country.
Journey through Iceland’s political history, from the early authority of Christian chieftains, Norwegian power, Danish rule to sovereignty in 1944 as the Republic of Iceland.
See popular artefacts, such as the 12th century carved wooden door and the first Bible printed in Iceland in 1584. Alongside the permanent displays are many revolving temporary exhibitions. Be sure to make your way to the National Gallery of Photography on the ground floor, which has no admission fee to enter. Take a break in the Museum café and browse the well-stocked gift shop. Set aside three to four hours to explore the entire museum.
The National Museum of Iceland is centrally located, a few-minutes walk from the city centre and is accessible by a number of bus routes. It is open all year-round with reduced opening hours in the winter months. Entry is free for children and adults can enter free on Wednesday’s during the winter.
