Minjasafn Austurlands

About the museum

The Minjasafn Austurlands (Heritage Museum of East Iceland) traces its roots to 1942, when representatives from the region met at Atlavík and decided to set up a preparatory committee for a museum for East Iceland. Collecting began later that year, and the museum was officially founded in 1943 by the Búnaðarsamband Austurlands (East Iceland Farmers' Association), the Samband austfirskra kvenna (East Icelandic Women's Association) and the Ungmenna- og íþróttasamband Austurlands (East Iceland Youth and Sports Association). The objects were first stored at Hallormsstaður, but in 1945 the museum moved to the house of the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson at Skriðuklaustur, where one room was used for a summer exhibition.

In 1966 the museum at Skriðuklaustur was closed because the facilities were considered inadequate. In 1979 it was decided to move it to Egilsstaðir, and construction of a new museum building began in 1982. The first phase of the building opened in 1995 and houses the museum together with the Héraðsskjalasafn Austfirðinga (Regional Archives of East Iceland) and the Bókasafn Héraðsbúa (Regional Library). A permanent exhibition opened in 1996, and since then the museum has been open all year round. Today it is run by Múlaþing and Fljótsdalshreppur.

There are two permanent exhibitions. One is about reindeer in East Iceland, and the other shows self-sufficient farm life in the countryside of East Iceland up to the middle of the 20th century. In addition, temporary exhibitions are set up every year.

Highlights

• The exhibition “Hreindýrin á Austurlandi” (Reindeer in East Iceland) with a film from the 1950s, hunters' accounts, photographs and objects
• The exhibition “Sjálfbær eining” (Self-Sufficient Unit) on rural life in East Iceland up to the mid-20th century
• A baðstofa (traditional living room) from the farm Brekka in Hróarstunga
• Audio guide available
• Free admission for children and young people under 18

Permanent exhibitions

• Hreindýrin á Austurlandi – The exhibition covers the life and livelihood of reindeer, the threats they face, research, reindeer hunting and the use of reindeer for food and handicrafts. Visitors see a film from the 1950s, photographs and objects, and hear the accounts of hunters.
• Sjálfbær eining – An exhibition on rural life in East Iceland up to the middle of the 20th century, when the farms were largely self-sufficient. It includes a baðstofa from Brekka in Hróarstunga.

Founded

1943

Operated by

Múlaþing og Fljótsdalshreppur

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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 exhibition hall is on the middle floor of the building and can be reached directly from the street at Laufskógar; wheelchair access to the exhibitions is said to be good. The main entrance opens automatically from the outside, and from the inside via a button on the wall. The threshold at the main door is about 3 cm. There is a lift to the top floor (library) but not between the museum floor and the basement. The accessible toilet is on the museum floor, which also has a changing table. A disabled parking space is closest to the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The museum offers a varied programme for children and families and welcomes school groups. A changing table is in the toilet on the museum floor.

Getting there & parking

If needed, you can drive up to the main entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

There is Wi-Fi in the museum foyer.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit