At Reykjastræti 4 in Reykjavík, the Icelandic Phallological Museum takes a scientific, often playful look at the anatomy of mammals. Its collection includes specimens from Icelandic land and sea animals, alongside examples from other species and material on mating habits. Read the exhibit notes for the biology behind the displays, then stop at the café for a strawberry penis-shaped waffle or browse the gift shop. The subject is explicit, so this is a better fit for visitors comfortable with anatomical exhibits than for anyone seeking a conventional museum visit.
How the collection began
The museum grew from a private collection assembled by Icelandic teacher and historian Sigurður Hjartarson. It opened in 1997, with 62 specimens at the time. The collection began with phallic objects given to Hjartarson as joke gifts; he then set out to collect examples from Iceland’s mammals.
The subject is phallology, the scientific study of the penis. The museum presents it through preserved specimens, casts and objects, with information on the animals represented. The tone can be humorous, but the exhibits also give visitors a way to look at mammalian anatomy and reproduction as subjects of study.
What the exhibits cover
The collection includes examples from land and sea mammals, with whales, seals, walruses and polar bears among the animals represented. Smaller species appear too, so the displays range widely in scale. Some specimens are preserved in liquid; others are presented as bones or casts.
Exhibit notes explain details about different animals, including their anatomy and mating habits. Reading them adds context to a collection that can otherwise feel like a succession of unusual objects. The museum also includes human material and casts, as well as art, crafts and items connected with Icelandic folklore. The precise size of the collection varies across descriptions, so it is best to focus on the range of species and displays rather than a single total.
Café and practical details
The café and bistro give you a place to pause after the exhibits. Strawberry penis-shaped waffles are a distinctively themed option, and the bistro has been noted for vegan and gluten-free choices. A bar and gift shop are also on site, with themed souvenirs available.
The address is Reykjastræti 4, in central Reykjavík. The museum lists a daily daytime schedule, and free lockers are available for belongings. One practical point is access: a visitor reported reaching the museum by stairs. If stairs are a concern, contact the museum before your visit to ask about an alternative entrance.
FAQ
What can you see at the Icelandic Phallological Museum?
The exhibits include phallic specimens and casts from mammals such as whales, seals, walruses and polar bears, alongside human material, art and folklore-related items.
How long should you plan for a visit?
A visit can take about 30 minutes if you browse the exhibits, or up to around two hours if you spend longer reading the information.
Does the museum have a café?
Yes. The café serves strawberry penis-shaped waffles, and the bistro has been noted for vegan and gluten-free options.
Is the museum step-free?
A visitor reported that the museum was reached by a flight of stairs. Contact the museum to ask whether an alternative entrance is available.
