Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.06.2018, Síða 49

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Best Artist-Run Space
Listastofan
Hringbraut 119
Listastofan was heaped with fond
praise by our panel, who loved the
youthful energy and diversity of its
programme. “It has a constant rotation
of work, with a new exhibition opening
every other week,” they said. “They also
do workshops, have darkrooms for
photographers and studio spaces—
there’s a whole community of artists
based around the space.” Listastofan’s
motto is ‘Be Young And Shut Up,’ and
they live up to it—the gallery provides
an invaluable platform for emerging
artists who are between graduation,
and securing support from the more
established galleries. It’s also a bridge
between Icelandic and expatriate
artists in Reykjavík.
Runners Up
Gallery Port
Laugavegur 23
Newcomer: This discrete space tucked
away on Laugavegur is a sparky and
interesting spot with a fast-moving and
varied exhibition programme. “They’re
trying to fuck shit up,” said the panel.
“They do different things all the time.
You never know what you’ll see there.
It’s an anti-art-snob gallery.”
Iðnó
Vonarstræti 3
It might seem odd to call such a classic
space a “newcomer,” but this music hall
has been taken over by a new energy
lately. “The new organisation running
Iðnó host everything from poetry read-
ings to drag workshops,” said the panel.
“They’ve taken one of the most magical
spaces in Reykjavík and filled it with the
best people.”
Previous winners
None. New category!
Best Museum
The National
Museum Of Iceland
Suðurgata 41
Of Reykjavík’s many museums, one stands taller than the competi-
tion due to the pure breadth of their displays. Iceland’s National Mu-
seum is a treasure trove of the country’s history, covering everything
from early culture to clothing, metalsmithing, religion, and more. “I
love the national museum, being a nerd for cultural history,” said one
panellist. “If you want actual history, it’s top-notch. It’s well-curated
and well designed, with contemporary displays that connect to cul-
tural waves like football and feminism. It even makes the silverware
interesting. And I love the baby skeleton. I want one of my own.”
Runners Up
Árbæjarsafn
Kistuhylur 14, Reykjavík 110
This outdoor museum provides a
vivid look at Icelandic life in the olden
days, with guides dressed in old-time
garb. “It’s super cute,” said the panel.
“There’s a dress-up theatre and a
toy museum, and it’s cool to be in a
little old village with the modern city
growing in the background.”

Wonders of Iceland
Perlan
Newcomer: Wanna see an ice cave?
Instead of trekking across south
Iceland, now you can go to Perlan. “It’s
just really cool,” said the panel. “There
are interactive laser displays to show
you information, it’s futuristic and
engaging, and it’s about the nature that
people come to Iceland for.”
Previous winners
2015-17: Árbæjarsafn
2011-14: National Museum of Iceland
Best Place For Aurora
Spotting
Grótta
Seltjarnarnes peninsula
The tip of the Reykjavík peninsula has
an iconic lighthouse perched right
on the end, reachable at low tide via
a pedestrian causeway. There’s also a
nature reserve, a golf course, a walking
path, and little else, meaning light
pollution is kept to a minimum. “You
can get there by bus,” said the panel.
“And as an added bonus, you might see
those kids out there with their little
stall selling kleinur and cocoa—so you
can have an authentic child entrepre-
neur/child labour experience, too.”
Runners Up
Öskjuhlíð
Reykjavík 101, by Perlan
This forested hilltop viewpoint is walk-
able from downtown and offers wide-
screen views of the evening sky. From
the hilltop, there’s little light pollution.
“Put on some ice cleats if it’s winter,”
warned the panel. “And be careful if you
go wandering, or you might actually get
lost in an Icelandic forest.”
Ægisíða
Vesturbær
This walking path along the southern
coast of the Reykjavík peninsula has
unencumbered views of the sea and
evening sky, over the bay to the pres-
idential residence at Bessastaðir, and
all the way to Keflavík. “There are only
so many good places to see the aurora
downtown, and getting away from the
centre definitely helps,” said the panel.
Previous winners
2015: Grótta
2015: Öskjuhlíð
2014: Grótta
2013: Grótta
2012: Grótta
2011: Grasagarðurinn