Reykjavík City Museum
Multiple exhibits focus on historical and cultural aspects of the capital city
Reykjavík City Museum gives travellers the opportunity to experience the history of Reykjavík in a fun and engaging way. The museum, which is comprised of five separate sites, aims to preserve Reykjavík’s cultural heritage, dating back to the days of the Settlement in the late 9th century. Four of the museums are within convenient walking distance of downtown Reykjavík, while the Árbær Open Air Museum is only a 15-minute drive from the city centre, and the ferry to Viðey Island leaves from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík. 
The Settlement Exhibition & Settlement Sagas
The Settlement Exhibition is authentic as it gets as it was built around the actual ruins of a Viking Age longhouse that has been preserved. The exhibition gives guests a look into the life of the first people who called the Reykjavík area home and the ways in which they adapted to their new life. Meanwhile, the second part of the museum is focused on the Settlement Sagas, and history and literary buffs will not want to miss this. The Settlement Sagas comprise some of the nation’s most renowned documents, many of them written in the 12th century but relating events that go back to late 9th century. This is one of only three places in Iceland where you can see ancient Icelandic manuscripts. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and includes an activity centre for children. 
Árbær Open Air Museum
The Árbær Open Air Museum is a treasure. The museum, which was founded in 1957, gives visitors a visual sense of Reykjavík’s past. The site comprises a village-like collection of more than 20 houses, each of which is a separate exhibition. Visitors learn how Reykjavík developed from a few isolated farms into the capital city of Iceland that today is home to more than 120,000 people. During the summer months, staff members are clad in period costumes that are quite charming and fun. The museum is suitable for all ages and includes a playground and a toy exhibition where children can play freely. 
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Fishing has been the backbone of Iceland since the days of the Settlement. Fish nourish Iceland’s inhabitants and are an important export industry. The Reykjavík Maritime Museum, which is located by the old harbour, focuses on exhibitions that show the importance of fish to the nation. Today, Icelanders fish on modern trawlers, but in the old days, fishermen regularly put their lives at risk on primitive boats in order to feed their families. The museum shows the equipment fishermen have used through the ages. However, one of the main attractions at the museum is Óðinn, the Coast Guard ship which took part in all three cod wars with Britain. Guided tours are offered daily at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00.
Reykjavík Museum of Photography
Reykjavík is home to some great photographers, past and present. The Reykjavík Museum of Photography has an impressive collection, now comprising about six million photographs. The oldest photos date from around 1860, giving a glimpse of city life decades ago. The museum preserves photographs from professional, as well as amateur photographers, from industrial and commercial photographers, to portrait and press photographers. Reykjavík is a vibrant city with a rich history and contemporary culture. Check out the free exhibitions. 
Viðey Island
Viðey is a little gem of an island just off the coast of Reykjavík and is accessible by ferry. The island, which is about 1.7 square kilometres (0.7 square miles) in size, hosts unspoiled nature with large stretches of grassy plains and a rich birdlife, the John Lennon Peace Tower, an installation created by Yoko Ono, as well as art by world renowned artist Richard Serra. Viðey is a favourite among birdwatchers as the island is a nesting ground for more than 30 bird species. In the summer, there are daily ferry rides from the old harbour, from Ægisgarður pier by the Harpa concert hall, and Skarfabakki harbour. Please visit www.videy.com for the ferry schedule.
Family Friendly Fun
Reykjavík City Museum is family friendly and all museum sites have something that caters to children. For example, the “Come and play” exhibition at Árbær Open Air Museum has a playground, furnished rooms with everything in child sizes as well as lots of toys to play with. The Settlement Exhibition has a special family corner where kids and parents can have a fun time together. And the Reykjavík Maritime Museum offers a fun treasure hunt for kids during their visit to the museum.
Borgarsögusafn Reykjavíkur
Grandagarði 8
+354 411 6300
www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is
It is the mission of Reykjavík City Museum to maintain strong and demonstrable ties with the community, to be reliable, informative, and accessible, to encourage guest participation, and to provide attentive service to all visitors.
The museum will demonstrate professionalism in its collection, cataloguing, and preservation of cultural artefacts, will share the diverse history of the city in an engaging manner and inspire people to reflect, be creative, and have fun.
The Reykjavík City Museum’s activities will be dynamic, trustworthy, purposeful, and clear.
