Iceland: Cultural Venues

Iceland: Cultural Venues

Iceland is rich in cultural heritage and traditions, and offers a variety of art & cultural events throughout the year. The various museums and galleries exhibit an exciting mixture of ancient heritage and modern trends, set to embrace Icelandic culture from the Viking era, up to the 21st century. Festivals and cultural venues are of great importance for most Icelanders, and are celebrated in the Greater Reykjavík Area and in the countryside. Popular festivals include Iceland´s Independence Day and Secret Solstice in June, Culture Night and Reykjavík Pride in August, and the popular Airwaves Music Festival held in November each year. Other festivals include Reykjavík International Film Festival and Reykjavík Arts Festival that is held every other year. Many of the cultural venues are family friendly, so everyone should find something of interest during their stay in Iceland.

The Culture House 1

Hverfisgata 15

The Culture House offers the exhibition, Points of View, which takes guests on a journey through the Icelandic visual world of past and present. Artefacts and works of art from the varied collections of six institutions, provide a reflection of Iceland’s visual art history and cultural heritage. The ground floor houses the Café Julia & Julia and a museum shop.

A troll walking down the street in Reykjavík. Photo by Elena

The Design Museum of Iceland 17 & Garðabær

Garðatorgi 1

The Design Museum is located in the centre of Garðabær and collects and preserves items in connection to Icelandic design history, from the beginning of the 20th century to present day. The museum building also houses Kraum Shop, which sells a varied collectionvof Icelandic design products.

Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum 2

Eiriksgata, opposite Hallgrimskirkja church

Sculpture museum and garden dedicated to the works of Einar Jónsson, one of Iceland’s most beloved sculptors.

At Árbær Open Air Museum

Harpa Concert Hall and three Conference Centre

Austurbakki 2. Ticket office tel. 528 5050

Harpa is Reykjavík´s newest and most distinguished landmarks. It is a cultural and social centre in the heart of the city and is home to Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, the Reykjavik Big Band and Maximús Músíkús. Harpa is open daily from 8:00 – 24:00 and has various facilities such as Smurstöðin or Kolabrautin restaurants, Epal design store, Upplifun gift store and bus and tourist information. Harpa also offers daily guided tours and exhibitions. For a full events calendar, please visit www.harpa.is

The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra 4

Harpa, tel. 545 2500

The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra enjoys the prestigious status of a major orchestra, due to excellent reviews on the orchestra’s recordings in recent years and its wonderful interpretation of many of the great classical works.

Icelandic Opera 5

Harpa, tel. 511 6400

The Icelandic Opera produces a versatile program each season with the participation of Icelandic artists. The repertoire ranges from classical operas to new pieces by Icelandic composers, and also includes regular lunchtime concerts and other events.

Kolabrautin Ristorante: For a special evening, with a view like no other. A dinner at the elevated fourth floor of Harpa concert Hall is a destination in itself. Relax and enjoy the best Icelandic produce complemented with a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the surrounding horizon.