Ásmundarsafn

About the museum

Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982) was one of the pioneers of sculpture in Iceland. He designed the house on Sigtún largely himself and built it between 1942 and 1959. Today it is part of the Reykjavík Art Museum and holds his works and archival material.

The museum regularly stages exhibitions of Ásmundur's works alongside works by living artists. The Sphere (Kúlan) on the upper floor is a special space that can only be reached by stairs. Outdoors, in the garden around the museum, stand many of his works, some of them enlarged or made specifically for outdoor display.

Ásmundarsafn is one of three houses of the Reykjavík Art Museum, together with Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstaðir, and the same ticket is valid for all three houses for 24 hours. The museum welcomes various groups, including regular guided tours for people on the autism spectrum, where lighting and sound are adapted to the group.

Highlights

• Works by Ásmundur Sveinsson in a house he designed himself
• Sculpture garden with outdoor works, some enlarged or made for outdoor display
• Exhibitions where Ásmundur's works meet works by living artists
• The Sphere (Kúlan) on the upper floor
• Secret drawer with creative materials for children

Permanent exhibition

• Verk Ásmundar Sveinssonar – Regular exhibitions of Ásmundur's works alongside works by living artists, plus his sculptures in the garden around the museum.

Operated by

Listasafn Reykjavíkur

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for 24 hours in all three houses of the Reykjavík Art Museum (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn). The annual pass gives access to all exhibitions and events unless otherwise stated and gives 10% off in the museum shops. Reykjavík City Card gives free admission and is sold at the desk of all three houses.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Accessibility is rated as reasonable. The entrance has no steps and an automatic door, but there is a low threshold at the door. There is a lift from reception to the cloakroom; there is no lift up to the exhibition hall, and staff help visitors to enter through the side doors. The Sphere on the upper floor is only accessible by stairs. There is an accessible toilet near the cloakroom and marked parking for people with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs cannot be borrowed at the museum. Seats are usually available in the exhibition halls. The museum is generally quiet, but some video works have sound, lighting can be strong, and the acoustics in the Sphere can be uncomfortable; a quiet seat is available in the foyer.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Reykjavík Art Museum runs the family programme “Leikum með list” (Playing with Art), with workshops and events, and in summer there are courses for children in all three houses. In Ásmundarsafn there is a “leynihólf” (secret compartment), a drawer with paint, books, clay and other materials for free creative play, and hot coffee for adults. The free Reykjavik Art Walk app has information on about 200 outdoor artworks.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Laugardalur, on Sigtún.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The shop is by reception. Cloakroom and lockers are behind reception. Trolleys, large bags, backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed in the exhibition halls, but prams can be stored. Bicycle racks are at the front of the garden on the east side.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit