Iceland review - 2016, Blaðsíða 135

ICELAND REVIEW 133
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A Salute to Iceland’s Master Artists
Housed in three unique buildings across the capital, Reykjavík Art Museum
maintains some of the most distinguished works of Iceland’s artistic heritage.
Hafnarhús, downtown by the old harbor, houses the permanent collection of
the works of Erró (1932-), one of Europe’s most notable pop artists. Its tempo-
rary shows tend toward the progressive and experimental, emphasizing works
from established contemporary, local and international artists. The exhibitions
at Kjarvalsstaðir focus primarily on paintings and sculptures of the established
masters of modern art, holding the works of one of Iceland’s most influen-
tial and recognized artists, Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972). The Ásmundur
Sveinsson Sculpture Museum is the former home and workshop of artist
Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982), one of Iceland’s pioneering sculptors. The
museum displays the largest collection of his sculptures, both inside and outside
the building. Reykjavík Art Museum is open daily and the entrance ticket is
valid for all three museums on the same day. artmuseum.is
Explore the Origins of Icelandic Culture
At The Settlement Exhibition, visitors can experience the settlement of Iceland
in the late 9th century through two remarkable exhibitions. The first is based on
archaeological findings from the days of the settlement and the other on man-
uscripts documenting the same period, offering an unprecedented view into
the origins of Icelandic culture. The exhibition centers on an excavated site, the
actual remains of a Viking Age longhouse that have been preserved in situ. The
second exhibition comprises some of the nation’s most renowned documents,
many of them written in the 12th century, but relating to events that go back
as far as 874 AD, when the first settlers came to Iceland. The manuscripts are
recognized by UNESCO as having outstanding cultural value. Open 9 am to 9
pm. reykjavikcitymuseum.is
Culture’s Home
On Hverfisgata in central Reykjavík you can’t fail to notice the large white Culture
House (Safnahúsið). Looking like part castle, part gingerbread house, its purpose
is not immediately apparent—but its importance is clear from first sight.
Go inside and you’ll be treated to an exhibition called Points of View—a unique
collaboration between six of Iceland’s most important cultural institutions, pre-
senting a thoughtful snapshot of Iceland’s entire culture and history across four
floors. Still, it does not claim to be exhaustive!
From taxidermy and crystals to priceless paintings and irreplaceable manu-
scripts, as well as modern design classics and more, Points of View is the conflu-
ence of art, science and showbiz. The exhibition presents all artifacts together
as equal and significant—and the result is surprising and undeniably interesting.
Located at Hverfisgata 15. Open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday-Sunday. culturehouse.is
In the great outdoors with the Icelandic horse.