Hafnarhús

About the museum

Hafnarhúsið stands by the old harbour in Reykjavík, where the town's boat harbour and the first pier once were. The building was designed by master builder Sigurður Guðmundsson in cooperation with harbour master Þórarinn Kristjánsson. It was erected in stages between 1933 and 1939 and enlarged in 1957–1958. It was originally an office and warehouse building for the Reykjavík harbour and was one of the largest buildings in the country at the time. Its style is international modernism without ornamentation.

In 1989 the artist Erró gave the City of Reykjavík a large part of his works, around 2,000 artworks along with documents and other material, and it became clear that Reykjavík Art Museum needed more space. An architectural competition was held in 1998 and won by the firm Studio Granda. The building was renovated in 1998–2000, and the museum opened formally in April 2000, when Reykjavík was one of the European Capitals of Culture.

Hafnarhús now hosts exhibitions of progressive contemporary art by Icelandic and international artists, and regular exhibitions from the Erró Collection, which comprises about 4,000 works. The building has six exhibition halls. On the second floor there is a café with a view of the harbour, and on the ground floor there is a multi-purpose hall.

Highlights

• The Erró Collection, with works from the artist's gift to Reykjavík
• Exhibitions of contemporary art by Icelandic and international artists
• Renovated harbour building in the spirit of international modernism by Studio Granda
• Kaffi H on the second floor with a view of the harbour
• Open until 22:00 on Thursdays

Permanent exhibition

• Errósafnið – Works from the Erró Collection have a permanent place in Hafnarhús. Reykjavík Art Museum holds about 4,000 works by him. The exhibitions trace the artist's career and his many themes and techniques, such as collages, paintings, prints and video art.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Listasafn Reykjavíkur

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for 24 hours in all three buildings of Reykjavík Art Museum: Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn. The annual pass gives free admission to the museum's exhibitions and events and a 10% discount in the museum shops. The Reykjavík Culture Card (ISK 8,700; ISK 2,550 for people aged 67 and over) gives access to Reykjavík Art Museum and the Reykjavík City Museum. Schools and organised social groups receive free guided tours and museum education.

Accessibility

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

The entrance is on the ground floor with an automatic sliding door and no thresholds, and there is a lift between floors. One wheelchair is available on loan from the cloakroom on the ground floor. Two accessible parking spaces are in Grófin, to the left of the entrance. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor and the second floor. There is usually a bench to sit on in the exhibition halls, and stools can be requested at reception. Guided tours in sign language and for blind and partially sighted visitors are held regularly, along with special opening hours for autistic people and people with sensory processing difficulties. A social story to prepare for the visit is available on the museum's website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

The family programme Leikum að list (Let's Play with Art) offers family guided tours and art workshops. On the lower floor there is an area for children and families with materials to create their own artworks. Pushchairs can be stored and light buggies lent, but large pushchairs are not permitted in the exhibition halls.

Getting there & parking

Bike racks are in Grófin by the Reykjavík City Library.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Kaffi H on the second floor offers a vegetarian lunch menu, coffee and light refreshments, and is open daily 10:00–16:00. Lockers and a cloakroom are to the right of the ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The multi-purpose space on the ground floor and the courtyard are rented out, usually outside opening hours. Daily rental of the multi-purpose space costs from ISK 85,000 for half a day, and evening rental from ISK 170,000 (prices incl. VAT).

Plan your visit