Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús

The basics

See the artistic side of Iceland with visits to the museum’s three sites. Hafnarhús, in the old harbor, displays contemporary art in six galleries. At Kjarvalsstaðir, learn about artist Jóhannes S. Kjarval and see his paintings and sculptures, and at Ásmundarsafn, go inside the building where sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson lived and worked.

The Reykjavik Art Museum takes part in the Reykjavik City Card program, which offers free access to museums, galleries, and other attractions.

Things to know before you go

• The Reykjavik Art Museum is a must-see attraction for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
• Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstaðir offer good access for wheelchair users; access at Ásmundarsafn is limited due to the design of the building.
• Strollers, large bags, and umbrellas are not allowed in the galleries; lockers are available on-site.
• Photography is allowed, but tripods and the use of flash are prohibited.

How to get there

Reykjavik has a compact city center, and the galleries are easily accessible on foot. All three sites are also accessible by public transportation. For Hafnarhús, take the 1, 3, 6, 11, 12, 13, or 14 bus; for Kjarvalsstaðir, take the 1, 3, 6, 11, or 13 bus; and for Ásmundarsafn, take the 2, 4, 14, 15, 17, or 19 bus. All sites have parking.

When to get there

Each of the museum sites has its own hours; check the website for details. Hafnarhús is open later in the evening once a week, and Ásmundarsafn has limited hours during the winter months. Visit first thing in the morning for the most peaceful experience.

An art walk in Reykjavik

To experience art outside the museum, download the Art Walk mobile app. Created by the Reykjavik Art Museum, this app guides the way to about 200 public artworks spread throughout the city. It also includes an audio guide and information on the artists.

Ways to explore

General admission to Reykjavik Art Museum includes full access to all three museums for a 24-hour period, so you can see three pivotal collections by celebrated Icelandic artists. Start by admiring the Erró exhibition at Hafnarhús, then take in the vast collection of Jóhannes S. Kjarval’s paintings at Kjarvalsstaðir, and finally the works of 20th-century sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson at Ásmundarsafn.

The Reykjavik City Card also includes free entrance to the three museums, alongside many other museums, attractions, and thermal pools in the city.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility with a step-free entrance, elevator, and accessible restrooms. One wheelchair and foldable chairs are available to borrow, and service dogs are permitted throughout.

Age limits

None; children under 18 can visit for free. There’s an art area on the second floor for children, and light strollers are available to borrow.

What to pack

Your Reykjavik City Card, camera, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Sweatshirt in case you get chilly, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, prams/large strollers, flash photography, tripods

Amenities

Cloakrooms, lockers, restrooms

Address

Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhús is located at Tryggvagata 17, just a 2-minute walk from the Old Harbor in downtown Reykjavik. It’s a short walk from most of the central attractions and hotels.

Driving

You don’t need a car to get around Reykjavik’s compact center, but it might be handy if you want to visit all three museums in one day. To reach Hafnarhús, follow Road 41 westbound along the waterfront. There are parking spaces behind the museum on Geirsgata.

Public transportation

While it’s easiest to reach the museum on foot, bus lines 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 12, 13, and 14 stop on Lækjartorg, about a 5-minute walk away. Buses 2, 4, and 14 also run to the Ásmundarsafn museum, and buses 1, 3, 6, 11, and 13 connect to the Kjarvalsstaðir museum.

Best times to visit

Each museum has its own opening hours, but Hafnarhús usually opens daily from 10am to 5pm. The quietest time to visit is typically in the morning, and it’s also open on Thursday evenings until 10pm.

Best days to visit

The museum is open daily except for on Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday. As with most Reykjavik attractions, weekends tend to be busiest.

Best months to visit

July and August are peak season in Reykjavik, but you can visit the museum year-round. In winter, it’s the perfect spot to escape the cold for an hour or two.