12 best museums in Reykjavik that are worth visiting

There’s no shortage of fun museums in Reykjavik, whether you want to learn more about Iceland’s fascinating past at the National Museum of Iceland or see how the Vikings once lived at The Settlement Exhibition. Beyond the history, understand more about the Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavik. As for art, check out contemporary experimental works at The Living Art Museum, or embark on a transformative journey at Chromo Sapiens. With such a wide selection to choose from, here’s a curated list of the best museums in Reykjavik according to your interests.

Reykjavik’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for history: National Museum of Iceland

Best museum for art: National Gallery of Iceland

Best museum for nature: Lava Show

Best alternative museum: Chromo Sapiens

1. National Museum of Iceland

Best for: learning about Iceland’s history

Why should I visit the National Museum of Iceland?

A fascinating history museum, the National Museum of Iceland is home to over 2,000 artifacts of historical and cultural significance. Journey through over 1000 years of Icelandic history, from the Settlement Age to the modern day, with the “Making of a Nation” exhibition, which showcases interactive displays and objects from the past.

How long can I spend at the National Museum of Iceland?

Two hours is enough to see the main exhibits, but as the National Museum of Iceland is one of the best museums in Reykjavik, you can easily spend half a day perusing all three floors.

Insider tip

In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibitions in Reykjavik, the National Museum of Iceland has preserved over forty historic buildings, including turf houses and chapels, which can be visited throughout the country.

Address and opening hours

Suðurgata, 101 Reykjavík,Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Perlan

Best for: natural history enthusiasts

Why should I visit Perlan?

Built on six water tanks, standing on top of a hill, Perlan is one of the most unique museums in Reykjavik. Learn more about Iceland’s geology, from volcanoes to glaciers, and enjoy panoramic views from the huge glass dome.

How long can I spend at Perlan?

Many visitors spend around 90 minutes in Perlan but plan up to 3.5 hours and pre-book if you’d like to see all the shows, exhibitions, and ice cave.

Insider tip

Walk through a 100-meter-long ice cave and learn about the vital role they play in Iceland’s climate. Made out of 350 tons of snow, the cave is kept at a temperature of between -15°C and -10°C — it may be a bit chilly, but it’s a truly magical experience.

Address and opening hours

105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

3. Reykjavik City Museum

Best for: all the family

Why should I visit Reykjavik City Museum?

Reykjavik City Museum is spread across five locations and showcases Reykjavik’s rich history and culture. The sites feature exhibitions on archaeology, photography, and the daily life of local people throughout time.

How long can I spend at Reykjavik City Museum?

You could visit all five sites over a few days, but each museum only takes a few hours to see.

Insider tip

Don’t miss The Settlement Exhibition, where interactive technology blends seamlessly with archaeology to showcase the ruins of a 10th-century Viking longhouse. Or visit Árbær Open Air Museum, which is one of the best things to do with kids in Reykjavik, to see what life in Iceland was like in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Address and opening hours

Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed December 24-25.

4. Reykjavik Maritime Museum

Best for: ocean lovers

Why should I visit Reykjavik Maritime Museum?

Hear stories of generations of local fishermen, learn more about the history of fishing in Iceland — where sustainable practices and protection of the marine environment have made it one of the main pillars of Iceland’s economy — and tour an authentic coastguard ship.

How long can I spend at Reykjavik Maritime Museum?

Two hours is the perfect amount of time to spend at Reykjavik Maritime Museum while exploring the coastguard vessel Óðinn takes just under an hour.

Insider tip

Reykjavik Maritime Museum is located in the old harbor, a charming area full of attractions, bars, and restaurants. The waterfront is great for mooching around museums or grabbing a bite to eat with ocean views, making it one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik.

Address and opening hours

Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Closed December 24-25.

5. The Living Art Museum

Best for: budding artists

Why should I visit The Living Art Museum?

One of the oldest artistic spaces in Europe, The Living Art Museum is run by artists. An exhibition space featuring contemporary art and experimental pieces, it is one of the best art museums in Reykjavik.The exhibitions change frequently—you can check out what’s on currently on the Living Art Museum website.

How long can I spend at The Living Art Museum?

The Living Art Museum is free to enter and takes around an hour to explore.

Insider tip

Located in a former herring factory (known as the Marshall House) in the old harbor, The Living Art Museum is a stone’s throw away from other famous museums in Reykjavik, where you can extend your learning about Iceland’s artistic, maritime, and natural history.

Address and opening hours

Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavik. Open 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday.

6. National Gallery of Iceland

Best for: art lovers

Why should I visit the National Gallery of Iceland?

The National Gallery of Iceland is one of the most famous museums in Reykjavik for art. With over 11,000 artworks, it is home to the most valuable collection of Icelandic art in the country.

How long can I spend at the National Gallery of Iceland?

Between 1.5 to 2.5 hours is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring all four exhibition halls.

Insider tip

Three floors of art primarily feature 19th and 20th-century pieces from Icelandic artists such as Jóhannes S. Kjarval and Asgrimur Jonsson, as well as international artworks, including Pablo Picasso’s “Jacqueline with a Yellow Ribbon.”

Address and opening hours

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

7. Museum of Photography

Best for: photographers

Why should I visit the Museum of Photography?

Reykjavik’s Museum of Photography features around 6 million photographs from amateur and professional photographers. With the earliest photo dating back to 1860, the museum archives the past and preserves contemporary photography from Icelandic and international photographers.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Photography?

Around an hour is enough time to peruse pieces in the small but well-curated space.

Insider tip

Gain a snapshot into the lives of everyday citizens with family albums and personal collections, which are housed here in addition to portrait, landscape, and press photography.

Address and opening hours

Grófarhús, Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavík. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Saturday-Sunday.

8. Chromo Sapiens

Best for: alternative art fans

Why should I visit Chromo Sapiens?

A monumental, multi-sensory experience, Chromo Sapiens is a 360° unique art installation and one of the coolest museums in Reykjavik. The installation is housed in Hofudstodin, Reykjavik’s art and culture center.

How long can I spend at Chromo Sapiens?

While it’s easy to lose track of time inside, the journey from homo sapiens to Chromo Sapiens takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

Insider tip

Made by leading Icelandic contemporary artist Shoplifter from his signature material, synthetic hair extensions, Chromo Sapiens takes the form of three colorful caves with soundscapes from the Icelandic band HAM.

Address and opening hours

Höfuðstöðin, Rafstöðvarvegur 1a, 110 Reykjavik. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday-Sunday.

9. Whales of Iceland

Best for: budding marine biologists

Why should I visit Whales of Iceland?

With over 20 life-size models of whales, Whales of Iceland is an engaging way to learn more about the vital role whales and other cetaceans play in Iceland’s unique ecosystem. A screening of the captivating film “Sonic Seas” and interactive displays make this museum one of the best family-friendly activities in Reykjavik.

How long can I spend at Whales of Iceland?

A trip to the Whales of Iceland takes around 1.5 hours, and it’s best to secure your tickets in advance so you won't miss out.

Insider tip

If you aren’t visiting Reykjavik in summer (which is whale season), Whales of Iceland is your chance to get up close to these magnificent creatures.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

10. Aurora Reykjavik

Best for: anyone of all ages

Why should I visit Aurora Reykjavik?

Witness the stunning phenomenon of the Northern Lights at any time of year at Aurora Reykjavik. Enjoy informative exhibits, interact with engaging displays, and learn about the Northern Lights’ role in local mythology and folklore — as well as how to see them.

How long can I spend at Aurora Reykjavik?

Most visitors to Aurora Reykjavik spend around an hour in the museum, while the timelapse film of the Northern Lights is 30 minutes long.

Insider tip

In this family-friendly museum, you can learn to read the Northern Lights forecast and use the photo simulator — useful practice before trying to see the famous natural phenomenon.

Address and opening hours

Aurora Reykjavik, Fiskislóð 53, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open June, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; July-August, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; from September, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

11. Lava Show

Best for: geology enthusiasts

Why should I visit Lava Show?

Feel the heat of a volcanic eruption as you would at a volcano in Reykjavik without leaving the city. Watch real lava be superheated up to 1100°C (2000°F) safely in front of you in a mesmerizing demonstration of the power of nature at the Lava Show.

How long can I spend at the Lava Show?

The Lava Show takes 50 minutes, with an option to add a 10-minute backstage tour.

Insider tip

Don’t worry if you have limited time to visit all of Reykjavik’s best museums before seeing more of the country — the Lava Show also has a location in Vik, a town on Iceland’s southern coast surrounded by volcanoes, glaciers, and black sand beaches.

Address and opening hours

Fiskislod 73, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM.

12. The Icelandic Phallological Museum

Best for: adults and older children

Why should I visit The Icelandic Phallological Museum?

The Icelandic Phallological Museum is one of the most famous museums in Reykjavik (and of the weirdest museums in the world), but it may not be for everyone. Featuring tongue-in-cheek displays of all things phallic, there are more than 200 penises and penile parts, representing almost all Icelandic land and sea mammals.

How long can I spend at The Icelandic Phallological Museum?

This quirky exhibition is one of the most fun museums in Reykjavik and takes around an hour to see completely.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the gift shop, which is a great place to pick up a memorable souvenir, and visit the on-site bistro for a penis waffle.

Address and opening hours

Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavik. Open daily 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

FAQs

1. What are the most famous museums in Reykjavik?

The National Museum of Iceland is the most famous museum in Reykjavik for history, while the National Gallery of Iceland is well-known for its art exhibits. Chromo Sapiens by Shoplifter is a cool museum to visit, and The Icelandic Phallological Museum is world-famous thanks to its unique exhibits.

2. Are there any free museums in Reykjavik?

The Living Art Museum is a free art gallery located in Reykjavik’s charming old harbor. It showcases unique and experimental works by local artists and is a great place to see cool art in Reykjavik.

3. What’s the most interesting museum in Reykjavik if I only have time for one?

Perlan is a popular museum with visitors who have limited time. As well as comprehensive exhibits on Iceland’s natural history, visitors can walk through an ice cave, watch a screening of the Northern Lights, and enjoy panormaic views from the rotating glass dome.

4. Are there any fun museums in Reykjavik for families and children?

Experience piping hot lava being poured in front of you at the Lava Show, a popular family-friendly museum in Reykjavik. Whales of Iceland is also fun for all the family with interesting exhibits on Iceland’s marine life and over 20 life-size models of whales.

5. For which museums in Reykjavik are guided tours recommended?

Taking a guided tour is a great way to extend your learning about Iceland and is one of the most fun things to do in Reykjavik. Tour the coastguard vessel Óðinn at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum

6. Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Reykjavik?

A Reykjavik City Card is a great way to visit multiple museums in Reykjavik without breaking the bank. It offers one to three days of free entry to most of the city’s museums and galleries and unlimited bus travel within the city center.