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The Pearl and its collection

The Pearl
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Perlan, also known as The Pearl, is a natural history museum located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is uniquely situated on the top of Öskjuhlíð hill, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The museum was initially a cluster of hot water tanks, but it was opened to the public on June 21st, 1991. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of exhibits and attractions.

Unique Structure of Perlan

The structure of Perlan is quite unique, consisting of a glass dome that rests on top of six district heating tanks. Four of these tanks are still in use today. One of the tanks has been transformed into an ice cave, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors. Another tank has been converted into a planetarium, offering a captivating view of the stars and the Northern Lights show called Áróra.

Exhibits and Attractions at Perlan

Perlan offers a wide range of exhibits and attractions for visitors. It houses a planetarium with a Northern Lights show called Áróra, providing a mesmerizing experience. The museum also features a 100-meter-long ice cave, built from around 400 tons of ice, snow, and ash. Other attractions include an interactive glacier exhibit, Lava Show, a water exhibition, and a ten-meter-high replica of Latrabjarg Cliff, one of Europe's biggest seabird cliffs. Visitors can also explore a virtual fish tank, Forces of Nature Exhibit, and Iceland's geological story timeline. Additionally, Perlan offers a 360° observation deck, an ice cream parlour, a restaurant and café, and a gift shop.

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ISPerlan
NLPerlan
ENPerlan museum

Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Science & Technology Science & Technology Animals Aquarium Astronomy Geology

The Pearl
Öskjuhlíð

Visitor information The Pearl

Opening hours

Monday
9:00 – 18:00
Tuesday
9:00 – 18:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 18:00
Thursday
9:00 – 18:00
Friday
9:00 – 18:00
Saturday
9:00 – 18:00
Sunday
9:00 – 18:00

Admission

0 – 5Free
6 – 16ISK 2,490
AdultsISK 4,500

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

Öskjuhlíð, Reykjavik

Discover all museums in Reykjavik

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in The Pearl have been found.

The Pearl Reviews

The Pearl has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Pearl, located in Reykjavik, Iceland, offers visitors a mix of experiences. The museum's main attraction is its observation deck, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Many visitors appreciate the 360-degree vistas, especially on clear days when visibility is optimal. The building's unique architecture, resembling a pearl atop water tanks, is often noted as interesting.

    Inside, the museum houses exhibits on Icelandic nature, including a man-made ice cave. While some find this feature educational and enjoyable, others feel it's relatively small and may not meet expectations. The planetarium show about the Northern Lights receives mixed reviews, with some finding it informative and others considering it basic.

    The museum's restaurant, situated at the top of the building, generally receives positive feedback for its views, though opinions on food quality and prices vary. Some visitors find the dining experience overpriced.

    Access to The Pearl can be achieved via a shuttle bus from the city center, which is convenient for many. However, some visitors mention that the walk up the hill to the museum can be challenging, especially in adverse weather conditions.

    Overall, The Pearl offers a decent experience for those interested in city views and a brief introduction to Icelandic natural phenomena. However, expectations should be managed regarding the depth of exhibits and potential crowds during peak seasons.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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