The Icelandic Phallological Museum is one unique museum with a large variety of phallic specimens that also include almost all types of mammal specimens. With more than 200 specimens and 93 animal species that range from mice to whales, this museum features fascinating exhibits and makes for an interesting visit.
A scenic repository that pays tribute to Iceland's seafaring culture, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum is located along the city's harborfront. The museum is built into a former fish freezing factory unit, a plant that was originally built on the Grandi landfill. It explores the time-honored legacy of Iceland's fishing past, alluding to the time when early settlers depended heavily on fishing for livelihood. Over the years, fishing practices burgeoned into a larger industry, thus accelerating Iceland's prosperous growth over the years. The maritime museum also hosts a stunning nautical relic that was acquired in 2008, the former Coast Guard Vessel Óðinn. Fastened to the pier adjacent to the museum, this grand vessel served a prime role in all three Cod Wars between 1950 and 1970. Iceland's first steel ship Magni, also stands at the pier in resolute magnificence.
Specially designed in acoustics, Salurinn is a relatively young concert hall that opened in 1999. The architecture of the building is beautiful, its most prominent feature being oxidized copper. The programs at the Salurinn are ambitious and are put together with a great variety of music lovers in mind. Classical music is often featured and performed by an international ensemble of musicians. The intimate hall seats only 300, and the acoustics are impeccable. Check website for event timings and additional information.
Háskólabíó was specifically built with musical performances in mind. The building itself looks like an accordion and its acoustics are supposed to be especially suitable for concerts. The National Symphony Orchestra of Iceland uses the space for practicing and performing. Háskólabíó has many other purposes though; it is also a cinema and conference space, and the University teaches big classes here during the winter.
Basking in perpetual shimmer, the phenomenal facade of the Harpa concert hall is a fine tribute to Iceland's unique terrain. The concert hall comprises of two large rectangular structures that stand firmly on the Reykjavik harbor, swathed in piece after piece of colored glass. Meant to pay ode to the country's basalt landscape, Harpa was designed by Danish architect firm Henning Larsen, and inaugurated in the summer of 2011. This modern structure holds four concert halls, the largest of which seats as many as 1800 spectators. It is also home to lavish conference rooms and a stunning exhibition space. Every year, the Harpa comes alive with lilting melodies of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.
Visit the National Theatre of Iceland with family and friends to witness premier Icelandic and foreign classic theater productions, new works, musicals, operas and children's productions. Established in 1950, the theater complex features five different venues, namely the Main Stage, the Black Box, the Small Stage for Children, the Puppet Theatre Attic and the Theatre Cellar (Leikhúskjallarinn with a total seating capacity of 910. This is the place to discover both upcoming Icelandic artists and playwrights, alongside the shows featuring international artists and performers. The National Theatre of Iceland produces close to ten new creations each year, promising its avid audience an eclectic variety of live entertainment.
Sambíóin Kringlunni is housed in the Kringlan, a premier shopping destination in Reykjavik. Come along and settle for a fantastic flick after your shopping spree. The choice of all the latest movies, digital picture sound and service will make you want more of Sambíóin Kringlunni. A real bet for all the movie lovers, you are promised an extravagant movie experience here!
The Reykjavik City Theatre offers entertainment ranging from new Icelandic drama, well-known classics and dance performances, to rock concerts and more. The theater is home to a thriving drama department alongside the Icelandic Dance Company, who host various productions throughout the year. The theater complex is composed of multiple smaller venues, including a main stage with a capacity of 560, and a cafe-theater for more informal, intimate performances. Those who truly enjoy the performing arts would do well to invest in a subscription. With its eclectic program and modern facilities, the Borgarleikhúsið, or the City Theatre of Reykjavík, is a great place to delve into Icelandic culture.
The Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum itself is a part of the collection, as it is a unique building, a mixture of Egyptian pyramids and Arabic domes, mostly designed and built by the artist himself. He also sought inspiration from the Mediterranean countries; the exterior as well as the interior walls are white and smooth, creating a quiet and elegant frame for his provocative and powerful sculptures. Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) was one of the pioneers of Icelandic sculpture and, like so many of his generation, he was mainly inspired by Icelandic nature and literature, as well as creating grand masterpieces in praise of the common people. While his first sculptures are fairly realistic, he moved on to abstract work in the last decades of his life, and the museum reflects the changes in his artistic vision.
Kjarvalsstadir-Listasafn Reykjavikur was one of the very first establishments which was founded solely for the purpose of hosting art exhibitions. Along with regular exhibitions of the famous Icelandic painter, Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval, the museum is also host to year-round temporary modern art exhibits by painters and sculptors from around the world. While here, you may enjoy a cup of coffee at the museum cafe as you take in the view from their floor-to-ceiling windows.
The home of the Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, the Valbjarnarvöllur is a huge stadium in the eastern part of the city. It sports a seating area for around 5,478 persons. Book tickets for a football match and witness the love for football that the locals possess. It is beautifully done up with comfortable seats. The ground has artificial grass.