LAVA Centre
Interactive volcano and earthquake exhibition in Hvolsvöllur with a cinema show and a viewing platform.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
LAVA Centre is an interactive educational exhibition on volcanic activity and earthquakes in Iceland and on the formation of the country. The exhibition opened in 2017 in Hvolsvöllur, between five active volcanic systems: Hekla, Katla, Eyjafjallajökull, Vatnafjöll and the Vestmannaeyjar volcanic system.
Visitors walk through exhibition halls that show the creation of Iceland, the earthquake zones of the country and the history of volcanic eruptions. Real data from the Icelandic Met Office is used, and visitors can follow volcano monitoring and earthquakes in real time, touch different types of lava and tephra, and experience an earthquake simulator. A film about volcanic eruptions is also shown, and from the roof of the building there is a view of the volcanoes in clear weather.
The exhibition was set up by geologist Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, and the building was designed by Basalt Architects. The exhibition is updated as new eruptions change the landscape, and it also presents the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark.
Highlights
- Heart of Iceland: a twelve-metre installation on the mantle plume and magma
- Earthquake simulator
- Volcano and earthquake monitoring in real time
- Film about volcanic eruptions in Iceland
- Viewing platform on the roof of the building
- Founded
- 2017
Admission & discounts
| Adults | ISK 5,200 |
|---|---|
| Families | ISK 13,000Family package for parents with children aged 0–15 |
| Cinema show only (film and viewing platform) | ISK 2,000 |
Full admission (exhibition, cinema and viewing platform) costs ISK 5,200 per adult. A family package costs ISK 13,000. Special rates are available for school groups (enquiries to schoolgroups@lavacentre.is).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
The exhibition is all on one floor and accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and visitors with limited mobility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | ISK 13,000 · Family package for parents with children aged 0–15 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
A special family package is available, and the exhibition is interactive, with touch stations and an earthquake simulator.
Getting there & parking
The centre is in Hvolsvöllur, about one and a half hours' drive east of Reykjavík, on the Ring Road.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes in the exhibition. The exhibition is in English and Icelandic. Outside opening hours, you can request opening, a guided tour or an event by email at info@lavacentre.is. |