Iceland review - 2004, Page 83

REYKJAVÍK – PURE ENERGY / 81
National History Museum
Iceland’s unique geographical location makes it an extremely interesting spot to
study geology, as the geological division of the Natural History Museum of
Kópavogur makes very clear. The museum is open every day of the week and
admission is free. It’s a great place to take kids to learn about the Mid-Atlantic
ridge that lies directly beneath Iceland and gives rise to its high volcanic and
seismic activity.
Did you know that the only native land mammal in Iceland is the Arctic fox?
After a trip to the zoological section of the museum, you’ll know all sorts of
things about Iceland’s fauna. The museum has an enormous collection of shells
and, as you’d expect from people who depend so much on the sea, an impres-
sive amount of information about fish.
Salurinn Concert Hall
The first of its kind in all of Iceland, Salurinn Concert Hall has been lauded for its
incredible acoustics by the people who perform there and the frequently sold-
out audiences. Salurinn is connected to the Kópavogur Music School, which gives
the whole place an ambience of scholastic charm. Built from a modern design
out of Icelandic building materials, the hall makes an interesting spot to visit not
only for music lovers, but architecture buffs as well.
A wide range of shows are performed all year, from
classical pieces with a chamber orchestra to modern
electronic composition with an iPod. There are fre-
quent collaborations between Icelandic performers
and visiting musicians and the Salurinn is quite often
the testing ground for new Icelandic compositions. It
also hosts several concert series, such as TÍBRÁ which
is a run of over forty events a year in Salurinn and is
sponsored by the Town of Kópavogur.
Kópavogur Public Library
With three levels of modern services and one of the
best music archives in the country, the Kópavogur
Public Library is an excellent place to enjoy a quiet
afternoon with your favourite novel. The library
combines the traditional lending facilities with a
magazine and coffee area where patrons can relax
while visiting the Cultural Centre.
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