Words by

Anisha Chandar

Before you start binge drinking this festival season, make yourself feel better by doing something a little more wholesome. Here’s a roundup of the free activities happening on International Museums Day in Reykjavík, which takes place tomorrow May 18. Who knows, you might even have fun.

An evening with Dr Hogg
You’ve heard about Iceland’s only native land mammal the Arctic Fox, but back in the day in Noah-esqe fashion, northern settlers conquered and practically brought with them a zoo. Dr Lara Hogg (no pun intended) takes us back, discussing how animals have massively changed the landscape and turned Iceland into the country we know today. ‘Viking animals – the secret of the settlement’ starts at 5pm at Reykjavík City Museum (in the same building as The Settlement Exhibition) at Aðalstræti 16.
Get more info here

Dance with Einar Jónsonn 
Can’t afford a trip to Buenos Aires? We got your back. The Tango was invented by Argentinian immigrants at the end of the 19th century and quickly spread across the world. Soak up Latina vibes by learning to Tango at the Einar Jónsson Museum with Helen La viking Halldórsdóttir. At the end of the night there’s a “milonga”, or dance ball, until 11pm. The event is free (donations welcomed) and kicks off at 8pm.
More info here.

Catch some late-night rays
If you’re wondering where the summer is, head down to Reykjavík Botanical Garden to take advantage of the bright night. The gardens house over 5000 plant specimens found in northern climates and if you get bored AF, grab a coffee at Café Flora. Admission is free, and it’s open until 10pm (May – September).
Get more info here.

Art more your thing?
If you’re lucky enough to be on holiday, The Living Art Museum (NYLO) is running a free guided tour through their exhibition “Rolling Line”. At 12pm, understand the motivations behind the work of prolific artist Ólafur Lárusson, who’s fascination with the camera led to bold experiments.
Get more info here.

If you’re stuck at work, don’t worry—there’s an exhibition at Reykjavík Art Museum (Hafnarhús) at 8pm, where you’ll be guided through the work of students studying at the Iceland Academy of the Arts. Admission is free.
More info here.