Náttúrusafn Kópavogs

About the museum

The museum has its roots in the shell collection of Jón Bogason, which he gave to the Municipality of Kópavogur in 1983. The town founded the Náttúrufræðistofa Kópavogs (Kópavogur Natural History Institute) that December. For a long time, research was a major part of the activity, especially on freshwater life, often funded by Rannís, the European Union and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Jón discovered hundreds of animal species that were new to Iceland and several that were new to science, including eight living specimens of the shell species Micropilina minuta, which was thought to have been extinct for a long time.

In May 2002 the institute moved to Hamraborg 6a, where it works in close cooperation with the Kópavogur Library and Gerðarsafn. In May 2024, the new exhibition Brot úr ævi Jarðar opened after extensive renovations. It deals with the solar system, the history of the Earth, the evolution of life, insects, fish, birds and rocks, and it is designed to change over time.

The museum calls itself family-friendly and offers live education about life on Earth. Admission is free, and groups can book guided tours.

Highlights

• The exhibition Brot úr ævi Jarðar (Fragments from the Life of the Earth), opened in 2024
• A model of the solar system with a sun two metres across
• Jón Bogason's shell collection, which laid the foundation for the museum
• Migratory birds, insects, fish and rocks
• Free admission and free guided tours for groups

Permanent exhibition

• Brot úr ævi Jarðar – A journey through time and space: the solar system, the history of the Earth, the evolution of life, the seasons, migratory birds and the geology of Iceland. The exhibition is designed to change over time.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Guided tours for groups are also free during opening hours and must be booked in advance.

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 museum describes wheelchair access as good and welcomes individuals and groups with special needs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum calls itself family-friendly. Workshops and events for children are held regularly, for example a leaf workshop, Christmas decorations made from Icelandic nature, and a science school.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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