Iceland review - 2017, Síða 122

120 ICELAND REVIEW
BITS & PIECES SPECIAL PROMOTION
Treasures of a Nation
SELECTED WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION
In the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland, there are over 11,000 dif-
ferent works from various countries and periods. In the long-term exhibition
Treasures of a Nation, running through the end of 2019, a selection of over 80
works from the collection demonstrates the evolution of art from the early
19th century to our time. From 1884 to 1911, the collection was exclusively
based on the generous donations of foreign artists, mostly Danish and other
Scandinavians, but in the early 20th century, Icelandic art became more prom-
inent. Many of the pioneers of modern Icelandic art bequeathed their works
to the nation and in the late 20th century, the museum’s funds increased, and
with it the collection expanded. There’s a long and remarkable trajectory
from the fragile drawings of Helgi Sigurðsson (1815-1888)—portraying
poet Jónas Hallgrímsson (1807-1845)—to the exquisite sculptures of
Margrét H. Blöndal (1970-). listasafn.is
Painting by Svavar Guðnason (1909-1988),
Íslandslag/Iceland’s Melody, 1944.
Culture’s Home
On Hverfisgata in central Reykjavík you can’t miss the large white Culture
House (Safnahúsið). Looking like part castle, part gingerbread house, its pur-
pose 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,
presenting 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 man-
uscripts, as well as modern design classics and more, Points of View is the
confluence 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
Magical Mystery Tours
Sit back, relax and enjoy everything that this magical island has to offer,
with the leading tour operator in Iceland. Gray Line Iceland’s staff are
ready to welcome you at our sales desk at Keflavík International Airport
as soon as you step off your plane. With a ticket for our Airport Express
in your pocket and dreams of your upcoming Gray Line Iceland tours,
you’re already on your way to making some unforgettable memories.
If you haven’t yet made up your mind, drop into our sales office at
Hafnar stræti 20, downtown Reykjavík, where our service-minded sales
personnel will guide you in your choice of tours. Whether you would
like to be introduced to the Icelandic horse, do some city sightseeing,
experience the northern lights or hop on a classic Golden Circle tour, you
are sure to find something that suits your budget and time schedule in
our large selection of tours. All tours run in English, with selected tours
in French, German and the Scandinavian languages. grayline.is