Duus Safnahús

About the museum

Duus Safnahús is the cultural centre of Reykjanesbær, a row of old merchant and fish-processing houses by the harbour in Keflavík. The oldest building, the Bryggjuhúsið (Pier House), was built in 1877 by the merchant Hans Peter Duus as a warehouse for his business. Gamla búð (Old Shop) dates from 1870, and Fischershús was built in 1882 by Waldemar Fischer as a shop and dwelling house; the Duus trading company bought it in 1900.

The Bíósalurinn (Cinema Hall) was built in 1890 for fish processing and for a time served as a cinema, but it was rebuilt in 2006 for cultural activities. After the Duus family ended its business, the concrete buildings Bátasalur (1954), Gryfjan and Listasalur (1970) were erected on the site for the fishing industry. Reykjanesbær restored the buildings to their original appearance and completed the restoration of the row in 2014; Kaffi Duus opened in 1997 and a reception building was added in 2017.

There are eight exhibition halls in the buildings in total. The Byggðasafn Reykjanesbæjar (Reykjanesbær Local History Museum) presents the history of the area, the Listasafn Reykjanesbæjar (Reykjanesbær Art Museum) holds five art exhibitions a year, and the Gestastofa Reykjaness UNESCO jarðvangs (Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark Visitor Centre) presents the geology and nature of the Reykjanes peninsula. The Bíósalurinn also hosts exhibitions, readings and concerts.

Highlights

• Eight exhibition halls in historic merchant buildings from 1870 to 1890
• Exhibitions of the Byggðasafn and Listasafn Reykjanesbæjar
• The Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark visitor centre on the geology of the Reykjanes peninsula
• Cultural events, concerts and readings in the Bíósalurinn
• Kaffi Duus in the same complex of buildings

Permanent exhibition

• Gestastofa Reykjaness UNESCO jarðvangs – An exhibition that explains the geology and nature of the Reykjanes peninsula in an accessible way.

Operated by

Reykjanesbær (Söfn Reykjanesbæjar)

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for members of ICOM, SÍM, FÍSOS and FÍM. Schools enter free. Specialised guided tours of the exhibitions of the Byggðasafn and the Listasafn Reykjanesbæjar can be booked in advance; admission and the guiding fee are then both charged.

Accessibility

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

The entrance from Duusgata is step-free with an automatic sliding door; the reception is to the left of the entrance. A marked parking space for people with reduced mobility is opposite the entrance. All halls are accessible by wheelchair except the upper floors of the Bryggjuhúsið, which are uneven; a platform lift serves all floors of that building. An accessible toilet is on the lower floor of the Bryggjuhúsið, and one wheelchair is available for loan to visitors.

Kids & families

Children under 18 enter free. School groups are welcome.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Keflavík by the small-boat harbour in Gróf, Duusgata 2–8. Nearby are the Skessan í hellinum (the giantess in the cave) and a 10 km walking path along the coastline.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Kaffi Duus is in the complex of buildings. Shops and restaurants are also on Hafnargata, not far from the museum building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available

Up to 100 guests.

Only the Bíósalurinn (130 m²) is available for hire, outside opening hours from 9:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 22:00 on all days except Mondays, for meetings, concerts and cultural events. It is not rented out for exhibitions or private parties. The hall seats about 70 people in cinema seating or about 100 standing; a projector and screen are available, and coffee and tea are included. There is no kitchen in the building, so catering must be ordered elsewhere.

Plan your visit