Reykjavík Grapevine - ágú. 2019, Blaðsíða 49

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Best Artist-Run Space
Gallery Port
Laugavegur 23
This humble gallery and workshop is
hidden in plain sight on Reykjavík’s larg-
est shopping street, Laugavegur. Along
with Harbinger, Gallery Port has done
a lot for the emerging art scene, with
a fast-moving and diverse exhibition
program. “It has this ‘happening vibe,’”
says one of the panellists. “It is very
international and based on more than
money-making.” This is your perfect
anti-art-snob gallery and promises
to surprise you again and again with
every visit.
Runners Up
Wind and Weather Window Gallery
Hverfisgata 37
Being both unique and impressively
casual, this gallery is accessible for
everyone. “I’ve walked by a million times
before I noticed it was a gallery,” said
one of the panellist. It is truly a hidden
gem of the city, while being mockingly
obvious. It’s like window shopping but
with art.
Iðnó
Vonarstræti 3
This old and absolutely beautiful
building has become a space for all
kinds of performances and events. The
sheer diversity and passion behind the
schedule is an ode to Reykjavík’s art
and culture life. Whether it is concerts,
workshops, ambient nights, or film
screenings, Iðnó has it all.
Previous winners
2018: Listastofan
Best Museum
Wonders Of Iceland
Perlan, Öskjuhlíð
Have you ever wanted to walk safely
through a 100m long ice cave? With the
new “Wonders Of Iceland” exhibition in
Perlan, an immense glass dome that
sits on top of six hot water tanks, it is
finally possible. This highly interactive
exhibition will let you experience (and
feel) the power of volcanoes and
earthquakes, while also offering a re-
alistically built bird cliff and the afore-
mentioned ice cave. “It is kid-friendly
and highly educational,” says the panel.
“Plus it is situated in a really interesting
building.” It truly is a great adventure
for people of all ages.
Runners Up
Whales Of Iceland
Fiskislóð 23-25
This is another museum which uses
modern technology in the right way—
life-sized whales that you can touch,
audio guides, touchscreens with
all the information and even virtual
reality glasses are available. “It’s really
different from everything else,” said
one of the panellists. It’s an educational
playground for kids and adults alike.
The National Museum Of Iceland
Suðurgata 41
This museum makes history fun and
adventurous, covering everything from
early culture to clothing, metalsmith-
ing, religion and more. It’s expansive,
interactive and well curated. “It also
has a great bookshop,” says one of the
panellists, adding one more reason to
go and visit this gem.
Previous winners
2018: National Museum of Iceland
2015-17: Árbæjarsafn
2011-14: National Museum of Iceland
Best Cinema
Bíó Paradís
Hverfisgata 52
Bíó Paradís is THE local cinema. They
shows alternative films in many differ-
ent languages whilst also screening
blockbusters. They have many special
screenings (party screenings, cult
classics, or worst film series,) there’s
always the smell of popcorn when you
enter (their popcorn machine, Kamilla,
just turned twenty), and they have
always have great music playing, which
makes it a great place to just hang out
in general. The great staff serve beer,
pizza and sweets, the posters are made
by local artists… the list is endless.
Runners Up
Smárabíó
Hagasmári 1, Kópavogur
Situated in one of Reykjavík’s shopping
malls (the one that looks like a phallus
from above), Smárabíó deserves
appreciation because of their high-end
equipment. “Smáralind has the best
projectors and amps,” said the panel.
“It is the place to go to see films in the
best blockbuster quality.”
Egilshöll
Fossaleynir 1
Boasting with the biggest screens
of Reykjavík, Egilshöll is worth the
trip, even though it is situated in the
outskirts of town. It is the best place
to get junk food before seeing a trashy
blockbuster with high production val-
ues, and you can go bowling afterwards
in the same building.
Previous winners
2016-8: Bíó Paradís
2015: VIP Theater
2014: Bíó Paradí
Best Place To Take The Kids
Tjörnin
City Centre
What could be cooler than playing
football in one of the many parks and
fields around the Tjörnin city pond on a
beautiful, bright summery day in June?
Not much. Situated right next to the city
hall, it offers everything that kids love.
“You can feed the ducks and swans,
and in winter you can walk right across
to the other side when it’s frozen, or
play ice hockey,” said the panel. There
are also benches for hardworking
parents to get their well-deserved rest
while the kids are playing, or the nearby
IÐNÓ for a coffee and cake break.
Runners Up
Nauthólsvík
Öskjuhlíð
“Nauthólsvík has it all,” said one pan-
ellist. “The cold ocean, a hot tub, sand,
trees and lots of space.” Need we say
more? Reykjavík’s one and only beach
is a great place to take the kids, and
whoever else wants to join in the fun—
and the nearby café is perfect to relax
with some lunch or a drink.
Lasertag Kópavogi
Salavegur 2, Kópavogur
Kids acting up? Teen tantrums? Vent
your frustration as a parent by blasting
them with a harmless laser beam. Lo-
cated in one of Reykjavík’s surrounding
suburbs, Lasertag Kópavogi can be
reached via a short drive or a 30-minute
bus ride, and the panel unanimously
agreed: it’s worth it.
Previous winners
2017-8: Whales Of Iceland
2014-6: Húsdýragarðurinn
2013: Fjölskyldugarðurinn