Hitt Húsið is a cultural center located in Reykjavík. It has been established to promote cultural youth activities and hosts the Unglist, a festival where young artists celebrate their youth and their art. The center is a hub for variety of genres of art that range from music, design, photography, dance, fashion, and films. Call for additional information.
Árbæjarsafn was founded in 1957. It is situated in Árbær, an old farm that used to be outside Reykjavik, but the city has grown and expanded so that this place is now within the city itself. When the museum was established, only farmhouses stood there but within the next years some old houses from Reykjavik's city center were moved up there and rebuilt. One of the museum's buildings is a church, built in 1842 and still used for religious ceremonies. As well as being an open-air museum, it also organizes exhibitions based on themes from the past. A case in point is an exhibition showing old cars and old garage tools. It is thought that the first settlers in Iceland built their houses in Reykjavik in 874. The museum is dedicated to Reykjavik's history from that day until the present day, showing artifacts representing the everyday life of Reykjavik's inhabitants over the period. For those wanting to get to know the history of Reykjavik, Árbæjarsafn is the best place to visit.
Arbaer Museum gives you an opportunity to learn about the old Icelandic culture. Among the houses the Smith's House is the oldest, it was built in 1820. At Dillon's though you may be treated to delicious goodies, if you are tired and have explored the farm enough. Other dwellings on the museum site are ateliers, a printing press and a goldsmith's workshop. Furthermore, women and children dressed in the traditional Icelandic attire, (scarves and lacy petticoats included!) complete the picture. Now you may not look the part of a farm girl, but you have every right to buy yourself cookies at the old-fashioned sweet shop! Haymaking and Handicraft days are organized, so make hay while the sun shines!
Picture this: A dull day, icy winds beating on your face, and time on your hands. Where do you go? Well you can venture into one of the many thermal pools in the city or outskirts that cater to tourists and locals. Sundholl offers saunas, solaria, indoor and outdoor pools and hot pots. And it's Ladies' Night on Tuesday and Thursdays from 8p-9p!
Íslenska Óperan (The Icelandic Opera House) is located in a beautiful old building in the heart of Reykjavík. The house used to be a movie theatre but was changed into an opera house and concert hall in 1982. The decor inside has been kept in its original state so the house has a unique charm. The Opera House is very sought after for musical events, and concerts here are classical and contemporary alike. Call for event timings and additional information.
An immensely flattering imitation that traces the rugged mountainous features of Iceland's topography, the Hallgrímskirkja is a stunning structure in the heart of Reykjavik. Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, the church was completed over a prolonged span of 41 years. It stands today as a symbol of splendid modernism and Iceland's natural beauty. The Hallgrímskirkja features a dramatic gray facade with craggy edges that swoop upward to meet the detailed steeple. The spire towers at a height of 74.5 meters (244 feet) and is visible from far-flung corners of the city. Compared to the church's imposing facade, the interior is less pronounced, though it notably houses a 5275-pipe organ that was erected in 1992.
An urbane, thriving capital that rests on the waters of the North Atlantic ocean, the city of Reykjavik is scattered with indicators of Viking history, a blossoming cultural realm, iconic architectural marvels, and a gorgeous sprawl of natural beauty. The city is one of the many cornerstones of the Viking Age, semblances of which can be seen in the Saga Museum and the Reykjavík 871±2. It is also the proud home of the geothermal wonders of the Blue Lagoon, the remarkable Hallgrímskirkja, and the unique Perlan building. A wealth of bars, superb restaurants, nightclubs and cafes dot the streets of Reykjavik's center, expressing their newfound cosmopolitan energy. At the edge of its modern outskirts, Reykjavik also hosts incredible landscapes and stretches of unspoiled wilderness that are waiting to be explored.
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.
Iceland's National Archives store a lot of information about the nation's history and culture. They also cover subjects like geography, topography, politics and other vital data. A lot of archivists and historians benefit from this organization. Students often come here to update study material and theses. Online services are provided, and so are some catalogues for intense research.
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.
Enlightening its students and visitors about Icelandic legends and folklore, Álfaskólinn - the Elf School or the Icelandic Elf School is Iceland's answer to Hogwarts. Local myths of the 'hidden people' and different types of elves are some of the most popular topics of discussions here. Located in Reykjavík, one of the most important cities of the country, this school not only provides a fantastic relief from the mundane routine but also serves the purpose of preserving cultural beliefs, mythology and values.
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.