Culture House

The Culture House

The Reykjavik audio-guided tour leads you to the Culture House, an imposing light-coloured building that brings together treasures of Icelandic history. The result of a collaboration between several major institutions, it invites a journey through the art and culture of the country.

A collaborative museum

The Culture House was born from the collaboration between the National Museum, the National Gallery and four other institutions. Organised by theme, its collections trace the artistic and cultural history of Iceland, from settlement to the present day. It gathers an exceptional set of objects, works and documents that shed light on the origins and identity of the country.

What there is to see

Among the most precious pieces are 14th-century manuscripts, contemporary artworks and even the skeleton of a great auk, a now-extinct species. These testimonies of the past help to understand the history of Iceland, its environment and its culture. The building itself, light and elegant, adds to the pleasure of the visit.

Practical information

The Culture House is in the centre of Reykjavik. The visit is ticketed; hours and prices vary by season, so it is best to check in advance. The site sometimes shares its access with the National Museum; the collections, organised by theme, can be explored in a few hours.

What does the Culture House hold ?

14th-century manuscripts, contemporary works and the skeleton of a great auk, among a rich collection on Icelandic history.

How did the Culture House come about ?

It is the result of a collaboration between the National Museum, the National Gallery and four other Icelandic institutions.