Best Of Reykjavík 2023: Best Art Museum

Best Art Museum

Gerðarsafn

Hamraborg 4, 200 Kópavogur

Photo by Art Bicnick

Gerðarsafn is often unfairly neglected when discussing the best that the Greater Reykjavík Area has to offer, despite being only a quick 10 minute drive from downtown. The museum has shown incredible ambition in recent years, putting on a staggering number of events and exhibitions which often serves to transport the conversations taking place outside the museum walls into the exhibition space — such as immigration and gender issues.

Runner-Up:

The Living Art Museum

Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavík

Photo by Art Bicnick

The Living Art Museum (Nýlistasafnið) is a modern art museum located at a nexus of an artist-owned gallery, non-profit artist run space and an artist’s studio (oh, and there’s an Italian restaurant on the first floor). Similar to Gerðarsafn, Nýló is willing to engage with social issues, while skewing slightly more avant-garde in their displays. The Marshall House building and the surrounding area is also an excellent example of the renewal that has happened in Grandi and the result makes for a charming date spot.

Runner-Up:

The Reykjavík Art Museum

Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík

The list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Reykjavík Art Museum. While the past year has not been a particular stand-out for the museum, its Hafnarhús location is still one of the main conduits bringing big name international, contemporary artists into the country. Besides, it’s the perfect place to dip in on a windy day for a coffee and some merch to give your friend who has everything.

Previous Winners

2022: Reykjavík Art Museum

2021: Reykjavík Art Museum

2020: Kjarvalsstaðir