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The Reykjavík Grapevine

@rvkgrapevine

Reykjavík is a relatively small city, but even so, sometimes you need a bit of local advice to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a good people-watching spot, somewhere to see some contemporary art, or the best place to catch an Icelandic movie. Don’t worry, friends—we’ve got you covered via our Best of Reykjavík 2016 series. Here are some of our favourite spots in Reykjavík, for all kinds of super-fun days and nights out. Enjoy! And if you try our list, you can let us know what you thought of the selections via letters@grapevine.is.

Best Gallery

Winner: i8
Tryggvagata 16
The i8 gallery goes from strength to strength with their stable of top-notch Icelandic artists, as well as some renowned international players. i8 was the first Icelandic art gallery to start becoming involved in art fairs, so they’ve had a hand in bringing the cream of Iceland’s art scene to the international market. It is also the gallery that represents Ragnar Kjartansson, the playful multi-media artist who’s basically the spirit animal of the Icelandic arts scene. Thanks, i8! We love you!

Runner Up: The Nordic House
Sturlugata 5
The Nordic House is an art and culture building located just across Tjörnin, near the University. It recently hosted a Nordic culture and fashion design themed show called “The Weather Diaries,” which won the hearts and minds of pretty much everyone who got a chance to see it . After the spectacular success of that show, we can’t wait to see what’s coming up next.

Runner Up: Ekkisens
Bergstaðastræti 25b
This DIY art space is housed in a former basement apartment, and still bears the marks of its former use. It’s a lively gallery with a programme that gives a platform to recently graduating and emerging Icelandic artists. This is where you can see what’s happening at the grassroots of Iceland’s art community.

Read more of our Best of 2016 lists here.