The best museums in Reykjavik in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Reykjavik, Iceland, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Reykjavik, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Reykjavik.

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Looking for the best museums in Reykjavik? These are the best ones:

  1. The Pearl1

    The Pearl

     Reykjavik
    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.
  2. The Icelandic Phallological Museum2

    The Icelandic Phallological Museum

     Reykjavik
    The Icelandic Phallological Museum, known in Icelandic as Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn, is a one-of-a-kind institution situated in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. The museum was first established in 1997 in Húsavík, a quaint town on the northern coast of the country, before it was relocated to Reykjavik in 2012.
  3. National Museum of Iceland3

    National Museum of Iceland

     Reykjavik
    The main building of the National Museum of Iceland is structured into three floors. The first floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and a café. The two upper floors house the permanent exhibition. The administrative offices of the museum are located in a separate building, just a few meters east of the main building.
  4. Reykjavík Maritime Museum4

    Reykjavík Maritime Museum

     Reykjavik
    The Reykjavik Maritime Museum, previously known as the Víkin Maritime Museum, is a maritime museum situated by the old harbour in Reykjavik. The museum is managed by the city of Reykjavik and offers a deep dive into the maritime history of Iceland. Its location by the old harbour adds to the authenticity of the maritime experience it offers.
  5. Whales of Iceland5

    Whales of Iceland

     Reykjavik
    Whales of Iceland is a natural history museum situated in the Grandi harbour district of Reykjavík, Iceland. The museum was first opened to the public in 2015 and is dedicated to educating visitors about the various cetacean species that have been sighted in Icelandic waters throughout recorded history.
  6. Árbær Open Air Museum6

    Árbær Open Air Museum

     Reykjavik
    Árbæjarsafn, also known as Árbær Museum, serves as the historical museum of Reykjavík. It is an open-air museum that provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing the living conditions, work, and recreational activities of the people of Reykjavík in earlier times. As a regional museum, it also holds significant cultural and historical value for the region.
  7. Hofdi house7

    Hofdi house

     Reykjavik
    Höfði is a significant historical site in Reykjavík, Iceland, recognized for hosting the 1986 Reykjavík Summit. This meeting between President Ronald Reagan of the United States and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union marked a crucial step towards the end of the Cold War. The house commemorates this event by cross-hanging the flags of the United States and the Soviet Union.
  8. Icelandic Punk Museum8

    Icelandic Punk Museum

     Reykjavik
  9. Einar Jónsson Museum9

    Einar Jónsson Museum

     Reykjavik
    Einar Jónsson, born in 1874 and passed away in 1954, was the first Icelandic sculptor who spent the majority of his career in Reykjavík. His art was deeply influenced by Norse mythology and spirituality, and each of his works carries a philosophical message. This unique blend of mythology, spirituality, and philosophy makes his works stand out and provides a deep insight into his thought process and the cultural context of his time.
  10. National Gallery of Iceland10

    National Gallery of Iceland

     Reykjavik
    The National Gallery of Iceland, located in Reykjavík, is an art museum that houses a collection of Icelandic art. This collection includes works from renowned Icelandic artists and pieces that provide insight into traditional Icelandic culture.
  11. The Settlement Exhibition11

    The Settlement Exhibition

     Reykjavik
    Reykjavík 871±2 is an exhibition located in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the country, particularly during the Viking era. It is an integral part of the city's cultural landscape and a significant point of interest for visitors.
  12. The Culture House12

    The Culture House

     Reykjavik
    The Culture House, locally known as Safnahúsið, is a significant exhibition space located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is home to the exhibition 'Points of View', which is a collection of pieces from various national museums and other cultural institutions. This exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into the country's rich cultural and historical heritage.
  13. Aurora Reykjavik The Northern Lights Center13

    Aurora Reykjavik The Northern Lights Center

     Reykjavik
    Explore the enchanting world of the Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavík, Iceland's Northern Lights Center. Open year-round, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Aurora Borealis. Begin your visit with an exploration of Arctic cultures and the folklore surrounding the Northern L
  14. Reykjavik Museum of Photography14

    Reykjavik Museum of Photography

     Reykjavik
    The Reykjavík Museum of Photography, situated in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland, is home to an extensive collection of about five million photographs. These photographs, captured by both professional and amateur photographers, span from around 1870 to the present century, offering a comprehensive visual history of the region.
  15. Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo15

    Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo

     Reykjavik
    The Fjölskyldu- og húsdýragarðurinn, also known as the Family and Pet Zoo, is a combination of an amusement park and a small zoo. It is situated in Laugardalur, a district in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. This location offers a unique blend of fun and educational experiences for families and individuals alike.
  16. Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn16

    Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn

     Reykjavik
    The Reykjavik Art Museum, established in 1973, is Iceland's largest visual art institution. It is spread across three locations in Reykjavík: Hafnarhús by the old harbour, Kjarvalsstaðir by Klambratún, and Ásmundarsafn in Laugardalur. Each location offers a unique experience, showcasing different aspects of Icelandic art.
  17. 17

    Saga Museum

     Reykjavik
  18. 18

    Volcano House

     Reykjavik
    Volcano House is a geology exhibition situated in Reykjavík, Iceland, specifically at Tryggvagata 11. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the geological history and volcanic systems of Iceland.
  19. 19

    Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir

     Reykjavik
  20. 20

    Home of an Artist

     Reykjavik

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