Top Reykjavik Arts & Design

Dive into the fascinating history of the Icelandic nation at the National Museum of Iceland. The museum's permanent exhibition is a journey through time, featuring artifacts from the age of settlement to the present day. Ensure a hassle-free visit—and maximize your time on this gorgeous island—by booking advance museum tickets, which allow you to skip the ticket line, enter directly, and make the most of your valuable time.

Experience the northern lights before you see them in real life with this exhibition in Reykjavik. You'll get to learn all about the history and significance of the northern lights, including the mythology around the Arctic. You'll also get to see what the lights look like using interactive displays and virtual reality and even watch a film projection of some of the best displays of the lights Iceland has ever seen. 

The installation Chromo Sapiens is a landscape of hair created from synthetic hair extensions, which is the artist Shoplifter’s signature medium. You enter three caves, the first one is called Primal Opus; inspired by earthy hues, blacks and browns lined the walls with flashes of neon colored hair bringing it alive. The second and biggest chamber, Astral Gloria, is an explosion of brightly colored hair hanging from disorientating heights and dramatically illuminated by lights. Different recordings of sounds are played from various hidden speakers, creating a soundscape that is as all-encompassing as the landscape. Last is the third chamber Opium Natura, where shades of white and pastels created a celestial cloud cave. Guests are encouraged to touch the installation and dwell in it, enjoying the colors and sounds which can be described as a sort of color therapy and open eyed meditation.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Icelandic experience—and get up close and personal to real volcanic lava—during this show in Reykjavik. Book tickets in advance to secure your seats, or upgrade for a premium experience that includes balcony seats, drinks, and a lava gift. Whichever you select, watch as your host handles real molten lava in a controlled environment for a safe but lively encounter.

Combine pre-booked admission tickets to the Perlan Museum’s Wonders of Iceland exhibition with a planetarium show, all thanks to this two-part, time-saving sightseeing package. Choose from a range of admission times throughout the day, make your own way to the Reykjavik museum, and explore immersive highlights like the world's first indoor ice cave. Then, watch a northern lights show in Iceland's only planetarium.

Get on the inside track of Reykjavik’s art scene on this private walking tour which takes you to hidden gems most travelers miss as well as top museums and exhibits. See works by local and international artists and go beyond the guide books with insightful commentary about Icelandic art, history and culture. Go at your own pace and enjoy a personalized approach to suit your interests.

Save time, secure your ticket in advance, and explore the Whales of Iceland Exhibition at your own pace. Discover more than 20 life-size models of the various whale species that are found in Iceland, while using the interactive stations to watch videos and learn about the different types of mammals. This family-friendly experience is centrally located in Reykjavik.

Reykjavík can be an expensive city to visit, but you can ease some of the pain on your wallet with the Reykjavik City Card. For up 72 hours, you will enjoy free admission to top attractions including the National Museum of Iceland and the Settlement Museum; free entry to the Sundhollin public thermal baths, free bus transportation, and more.

As befits Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik has a vibrant street art scene, but it can be hard to find the gems. Benefit from your own private guide on this bespoke tour that takes in cityscapes from large murals to smaller pieces and covers Reykjavik’s creators too. Along the way, there’s time for a tasting of sweet treats, while your guide collects you from your address if it’s in the city center.

Spend the day exploring Iceland’s South Coast without having to hire a car or a guide, it’s all included. Join a small group of travelers and ride in a comfortable mini bus between the South Coast’s key attractions, including Skógafoss Waterfall and the *Game of Thrones* beach. Make the most of photo opportunities and enjoy the relaxed pace that larger group tours can’t achieve.

Join a knowledgeable local guide for an inspiring journey through three of Reykjavík’s cultural gems: the Einar Jónsson Museum, the House of Collections, and the National Gallery of Iceland. Discover Iceland’s artistic heritage, from powerful early 20th-century sculpture to contemporary works reflecting modern life, nature, and society. Begin in the serene sculpture garden of Einar Jónsson, where myth and symbolism meet Nordic imagination. Then stroll through Reykjavík’s vibrant city center to the House of Collections, featuring exhibitions that bridge past and present. Conclude at the National Gallery, where classical and cutting-edge art come together in a celebration of Iceland’s rich visual culture. This enriching walk offers a fresh and memorable perspective on Reykjavík’s creative spirit.

Sightseeing, especially in a pricey country such as Iceland, can get expensive. Entrance fees to attractions can quickly add up. Take the sting out of your visit to Reykjavík with the City Card: for 48 hours you'll enjoy free admission to top attractions, as well as other perks such as free transportation and discounts at restaurants.

This Reykjavik City Card eliminates the need to waste time in long ticket lines, and provides free entry to multiple Reykjavik attractions. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this card allows you to able to plan a whistle-stop 24 hours of touring multiple top sights. Get free entry to Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park, Reykjavik thermal pools, the city’s best museums and galleries, and much more.

Beat the rush with guaranteed admission to the Settlement Exhibition, and learn the little-known history of Iceland’s early past. Enjoy family-friendly multimedia exhibits, which bring to life the Saga of Egil Skallagrimsson, the island nation’s national epic, written by an acclaimed Viking poet. Self-guided audio tours are available in 15 languages.

Explore Iceland’s capital with ease on a private guided tour of the city’s top landmarks, including the famous Hallgrimskirkja church. Explore at your pace with no other travelers to worry about and go beyond the guidebooks with a local by your side. Between sights, sit comfortably in a private vehicle while somebody else worries about the driving. This half-day tour ensures you make the most of your time in Reykjavik.