Hið íslenzka reðasafn

About the museum

The museum traces its roots back to 1974, when Sigurður Hjartarson, then headmaster in Akranes, received a bull's penis bone as a gift from his teachers. It became a running joke, and since some of the teachers worked at a whaling station during the summers, more specimens were added. Sigurður's interest in collecting from more mammal species grew. By 1980 he had thirteen specimens, including several from whales, and he aimed to own specimens from all Icelandic mammals.

The museum opened in 1997 in a small space in central Reykjavík with 62 specimens, along with artworks and various small objects. At first locals hesitated to visit, as many believed the exhibition was indecent. In 2004 the museum moved to larger premises in Húsavík, often called the capital of whale watching, and visitor numbers grew gradually. In 2011 the museum acquired a specimen from a man, so that all Icelandic mammals were now in the collection. Hjörtur, Sigurður's son, then took over the running of the museum and moved it back to Reykjavík.

In 2020 the museum moved to its current premises at Hafnartorg in the heart of Reykjavík. The exhibition space there is almost three times larger than before, and a bistro with the museum's theme was opened. The museum is still independent and run by the founder's family, and gifts arrive from people all over the world.

Highlights

• Specimens from many mammal species, including Icelandic mammals and whales
• A collection that grew out of the founder Sigurður Hjartarson's personal collection
• Artworks and objects related to the museum's subject
• Honorary members who have donated specimens to the museum
• Phallic Café & Bistro with coffee, beer and waffles

Permanent exhibition

• Safneign Hins íslenzka reðasafns – Specimens from mammals from Iceland and other countries, along with artworks and objects related to the subject.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Sjálfstætt safn í eigu fjölskyldu stofnandans

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

A lift is to the right of the main entrance and provides step-free access. The exhibition hall is spacious with wide walkways. Wheelchair-accessible toilets can be reached via a ramp. Exhibition texts are clear and easy to see. Visitors who need assistance are asked to get in touch before their visit.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at Hafnartorg, Reykjastræti 4, in central Reykjavík.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Phallic Café & Bistro serves coffee from Kvörn Micro-Roasters, beer from RVK Brewing Company and waffles. The museum shop sells hundreds of objects related to the museum's subject.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.