National Museum of Iceland, National Museum in Reykjavík, Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland is a three-story building holding thousands of objects that tell the story of human life on the island across centuries. The collection includes tools, household items, clothing, and artwork that show how people lived in different periods.
The museum was established in 1863 to preserve Iceland's cultural heritage, starting with a collection of antiquities and documents from earlier times. It has grown to become the main place where you can follow how Iceland changed from medieval times to the modern era.
The exhibition reveals how Icelanders understand their own identity through everyday objects, artwork, and personal stories that connect past and present. You can see how people adapted to life on the island and what mattered to them across different periods.
The building has three floors that you can explore on foot with both stairs and elevators available for all visitors. Navigation is straightforward with clear signage, and most descriptions are provided in multiple languages to help you understand the objects.
A medieval carved wooden door called the Valþjófsstaður door displays detailed scenes from an old legend and ranks among the museum's most valuable holdings. It stands as one of the few well-preserved examples of Iceland's medieval woodcarving craft.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
