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This fantastic collaboration between the National Museum, National Gallery and four other organisations creates a superbly curated exhibition covering the artistic and cultural heritage of Iceland from settlement to today. Priceless artefacts are arranged by theme, and highlights include 14th-century manuscripts, contemporary art and the skeleton of a great auk (now extinct). Check the website for free guided tours.

The renovated 1908 building is beautiful with great views of the harbour and has a classy cafe on the ground floor. Entry also covers admission to the National Museum.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Iceland - Thingvellir National Park, October, 10, 2014 - Beautiful view of people walking in the seam between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

    Þingvellir National Park

    27.16 MILES

    The world’s oldest parliament, Althingi (pronounced ál-thingk-ee; also called Alþing) was uniquely situated at this monumental site where two tectonic…

  • Alþingi Site

    Alþingi Site

    25.65 MILES

    Near the dramatic Almannagjá fault and fronted by a boardwalk is the Lögberg (Law Rock), where the Alþingi (Parliament) convened annually. This was where…

  • Tectonic Plates

    Tectonic Plates

    26.27 MILES

    The Þingvellir plain is situated on a tectonic-plate boundary where North America and Europe are tearing away from each other at a rate of 1mm to 18mm per…

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    Hallgrímskirkja

    0.41 MILES

    Reykjavík’s immense white-concrete church (1945–86), star of a thousand postcards, dominates the skyline and is visible from up to 20km away. An elevator…

  • National Museum interior.

    National Museum

    0.61 MILES

    Artefacts from settlement to the modern age fill the creative display spaces of Iceland's superb National Museum. Exhibits give an excellent overview of…

  • Carving depicting Thorolf Skallagrímsson, a character.from Egil’s Saga at the Settlement Centre.

    Settlement Centre

    26.9 MILES

    Housed in an imaginatively restored warehouse by the harbour, the must-see Settlement Centre offers fascinating insights into the history of Icelandic…

  • Settlement Exhibition

    Settlement Exhibition

    0.31 MILES

    This fascinating archaeological ruin-museum is based around a 10th-century Viking longhouse unearthed here from 2001 to 2002 and other Settlement-Era…

  • Harpa, Reykjavik, Iceland...Photo © Christian Gehrig / // / <a href="http://www.mainone.ch">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MainonePhotography">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.flickr.com/Mainone">Flickr</a>

    Harpa

    0.2 MILES

    With its ever-changing facets glistening on the water's edge, Reykjavík’s sparkling Harpa concert hall and cultural centre is a beauty to behold. In…

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Nearby attractions

1. Árnarhóll

0.04 MILES

A statue of Iceland's first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, takes pride of place at Árnarhóll, a greensward that is also a central gathering place for parades…

2. Hverfisgallerí

0.06 MILES

A large, central space showcasing contemporary Icelandic art.

3. Punk Museum

0.11 MILES

Head to the Punk Museum to see Icelandic punk-rock history glued to the white tiles of a former underground public latrine. The exhibition is tiny and the…

5. Harpa

0.2 MILES

With its ever-changing facets glistening on the water's edge, Reykjavík’s sparkling Harpa concert hall and cultural centre is a beauty to behold. In…

6. Dómkirkja

0.22 MILES

Iceland’s main cathedral, Dómkirkja is a modest affair, but it played a vital role in the country’s conversion to Lutheranism. The current building (built…

7. Austurvöllur

0.22 MILES

Grassy Austurvöllur was once part of first-settler Ingólfur Arnarson’s hay fields. Today it’s a favourite spot for cafe lounging or lunchtime picnics and…

8. Jón Sigurðsson Statue

0.22 MILES

The statue in the centre of Austurvöllur park is of Jón Sigurðsson, who led the campaign for Icelandic independence.