Iceland review - 2016, Page 76

74 ICELAND REVIEW
AT THE CENTER
OF ICELANDIC CULTURE
After more than a hundred years, the iconic Culture House
has lost none of its allure.
The Culture House is one of the most prominent build-
ings in all of Reykjavík. This sturdily imposing, yet visually
pleasing, white edifice is a purpose-built advertisement
and guardian for Iceland’s national culture and character.
Opened in 1909, during Iceland’s struggle for indepen-
dence, the building became a focal point for the things that
made Iceland different; unique; special. At its inception, the
building was the national museum of Iceland, the Icelandic
museum of natural history, and also a major library. As Iceland
grew as a nation, the building’s role has simplified and today
it is primarily an exhibition space—as well as being a cultural
attraction in its own right.
RETURN TO FORM
The building, which has now been protected as a historical
landmark, merged with the National Museum of Iceland in
2013 and quickly started work on a collaborative exhibition
aimed at celebrating the Culture House’s distinguished origins.
The result is the exhibition Points of View, and is a first-of-its-
kind collaboration between six major national institutions: the
National Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum,
National Archives, National and University Library and the Árni
Magnússon Institute. All six can trace their roots back to the
Culture House. Points of View opened in April 2015 and is due
to run for several years.
MIXING IT UP
Points of View is split into seven sections across all floors of the
Culture House, and while the exhibition has been designed to
highlight the beauty and importance of the museum, it is not
specifically about the building. Rather, it is about everything.
It is an exhibition about life, and human perspectives of life in
Iceland.
One might expect the seven sections of the exhibition to
concentrate on separate areas; like archaeology, fine art, an-
cient manuscripts and religious history, but that would run
counter to the philosophy of the entire show.
Points of View makes no distinction between the things that
we find interesting. The exhibition proudly displays crystals
next to grand old paintings, next to album covers, next to Sa-
gas. It displays interesting artifacts without prejudice or hierar-
chy and the seven sections are split up based fundamentally on
feelings; on emotional themes.
In addition to the main exhibition, each of the six participat-
ing institutions are also taking turns to provide their own tem-
porary exhibitions in the Culture House. Until April 4, it is the
joint turn of the National Museum and the Árni Magnússon In-
stitute, which are presenting an innovative electronic piece on
the treasured Sagas of the Icelanders, by artist Steina Vasulka.
Located at Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavík. Open 10 am to 5 pm
Tuesdays-Sundays.
culturehouse.is
SPECIAL PROMOTION