The House of Collections is an art museum on Hverfisgata in central Reykjavík and part of the National Gallery of Iceland. Its exhibitions bring Icelandic art into conversation with nature, science and folklore, with works by Icelandic artists from the 19th and 20th centuries alongside displays about the elements and local mythology. Explore the rooms across the museum’s floors, including exhibits on birds and folklore beings such as elves, trolls and ghosts. The building began as a library, and your ticket also covers the National Gallery’s other location.
A former library turned museum
The House of Collections occupies an early 20th-century building on Hverfisgata. It was built to house national collections and library institutions, and its former library rooms now hold exhibitions connected with Icelandic art and culture. The building’s history gives the displays a setting shaped by the collection and public institutions that came before the museum.
The museum is part of the National Gallery of Iceland, which operates across more than one location. The other main gallery is on Fríkirkjuvegur, beside Tjörnin Lake. The two locations share an entry ticket, so you can plan them as separate stops on the same museum visit.
Art, nature and the elements
Exhibitions bring visual art together with subjects from the natural world. Rooms organized around elements such as water, air and land connect the works to their themes. Displays include Icelandic modern art, with works from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as material about birds and the environment.
The presentation includes interactive elements and areas designed for children. One installation uses projected waves around a painting, linking the moving image to the work on the wall. The range of themes makes the museum a useful stop for visitors interested in both Icelandic art and nature.
Folklore and the National Gallery ticket
A folklore exhibition draws on the beings and stories of Icelandic mythology. Look for works connected with elves, trolls and ghosts, including drawings and paintings. The museum’s exhibitions change, so check its website before your visit if you have a particular display in mind.
The shared ticket also admits you to the National Gallery’s location on Fríkirkjuvegur, roughly a 10-minute walk away. That gallery occupies a former icehouse and faces Tjörnin Lake. Visiting both sites gives you two distinct museum settings within the same national collection.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the House of Collections?
About an hour is a reasonable guide for exploring the exhibitions. Leave extra time if you plan to visit the National Gallery’s other location too.
Does the ticket include the National Gallery?
Yes. The House of Collections and the National Gallery on Fríkirkjuvegur share an entry ticket.
What can I see at the museum?
Exhibitions include Icelandic art, displays themed around nature and the elements, and works connected with local folklore.
When is the museum quieter?
Midweek visits have been described as quiet. Check the museum website for current visitor information.
