Iceland review - 2004, Síða 57

REYKJAVÍK – PURE ENERGY / 55
CITY ART
The Reykjavík Art Museum
For an impressive look at modern art, visit the Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús. The stun-
ning premises used to house the offices and warehouses of the Port of Reykjavík, and in the
year 2000 opened as a forum for contemporary art. The renovation of the building was in the
hands of Studio Granda (who also designed the City Hall and the Supreme Court), who placed
great emphasis on minimising changes to the original structure. Framed by austere walls, the
remarkable courtyard in the middle of the building was kept intact, as were the imposing
columns throughout. New highlights include a specially designed bridge connecting the exhi-
bition halls and massive doors, which link the courtyard to a two-storey, multi-purpose exhibi-
tion room. Visit the colourful, permanent exhibition of pop artist Erró that the Icelandic, Paris-
based artist donated to the museum, or any of the exciting contemporary exhibitions and
installations by international and Icelandic artists. Events such as concerts and fashion shows
are also regularly staged at the venue. At Hafnarhús you will also find a great café on the sec-
ond floor, which serves light meals, cakes and beverages. The huge café windows offer a splen-
did, panoramic view of the bustling harbour. The museum hosts a variety of lectures and con-
ferences for the public. Emphasis is placed on making younger generations more aware of art,
and for the widely acclaimed Ólafur Elíasson exhibition, 300 groups of school pupils were
received. The Reykjavík Art Museum has two other branches, one at Kjarvalsstadir featuring a
permanent exhibition of the works of Jóhannes Kjarval as well as numerous contemporary
exhibitions, and the museum of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson featuring his stunning, pure
forms. International exhibitions at the Harbour House and Kjarvalsstadir this year include the
works of Eric Ravilious, etchings by Francisco Goya, photographs by Brian Griffin, the works of
Dieter Roth and the video installations of Shirin Neshat. www.listasafnreykjavikur.is
THE HARBOUR HOUSE
Tryggvagata 16, 101 Reykjavík,
tel. (+354) 590 1200
KJARVALSSTADIR
Flókagata, 105 Reykjavík,
tel. (+354) 552-6131
ÁSMUNDARSAFN
Sigtún, 105 Reykjavík,
tel. (+354) 553-2155
THE REYKJAVÍK ART MUSEUM
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