Árbæjarsafn, Open-air museum in Reykjavík, Iceland
Árbæjarsafn is an open-air museum in Reykjavík with over twenty buildings arranged to show a town square, village, and farm displaying traditional Icelandic architecture. The houses are furnished inside, letting visitors step into living spaces and workshops from different times.
The museum was established in 1957 on a former farm and was created to save buildings from the city center. The houses were relocated here to protect them from demolition due to urban expansion.
The exhibitions show how residents of Reykjavík lived across different periods, focusing on homes, workshops, and public buildings that tell their everyday story.
The site is easy to reach and explore on your own, with well-maintained paths connecting the buildings. Bring comfortable walking shoes and dress for changing weather, as the grounds are sprawling and the Icelandic climate shifts quickly.
In summer, visitors watch traditional craft demonstrations and see animals roaming the historic farm area. These activities show how people once lived and worked here without feeling like a typical museum experience.
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