Contemporary art museum in a converted 1930s harbour warehouse, holding the large collection of the artist Erró alongside changing exhibitions of Icelandic and international art.
Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhús is the contemporary art branch of Reykjavik Art Museum, housed in a converted 1930s harbour warehouse at Tryggvagata 17 beside the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, Iceland. The industrial building keeps its tall, plain exhibition spaces and a central atrium, giving the galleries a bright, open character that contrasts with the working harbour outside. It is one of three sites covered by the same museum ticket, together with Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn.
The museum holds the large collection donated by the artist Erró, whose bold, colourful collage-based paintings fill a substantial part of the building and are rotated through changing displays. Alongside Erró's work, the museum stages changing exhibitions of Icelandic and international contemporary art, which range from painting and sculpture to video, installation and photography. Because the programme changes several times a year, the content of a visit varies, and the museum's website lists the current shows.
A typical visit takes one to two hours. The museum is generally open daily from about 10:00 to 17:00, though visitors should confirm hours and any late-opening evenings on listasafnreykjavikur.is before going. Weekday afternoons are usually calmer than mornings, when tour groups arrive, and the location makes it easy to combine with a walk along the harbour, a visit to Harpa five minutes away, or a meal at a nearby seafood restaurant.
Adult admission is ISK 2,550, and the ticket remains valid for 24 hours across Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn, which suits visitors who want to see more than one site. Students pay ISK 1,550, and entry is free for those under 18. The museum shop and café on the ground floor provide a break between galleries. The upper galleries offer views of the harbour through the large windows, which are a good photographic angle for combining art and the working waterfront in one frame.
| Admission | Adult ISK 2,550 (~$20), valid 24 hours at Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn · Child Free under 18; students ISK 1,550 (~$12) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, about 10:00-17:00 (confirm on listasafnreykjavikur.is) |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons |
| Getting there | 5-minute walk from Harpa and the Old Harbour |
| Address | Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavik |
Location
Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavik
64.1486, -21.9340 View on map
Highlights
- Large Erró collection in a converted harbour warehouse
- Changing Icelandic and international contemporary exhibitions
- Ticket valid 24 hours at three museum sites
- Harbour views from the gallery windows
Tips for visiting
- The ISK 2,550 ticket is valid 24 hours at Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn
- Free for under 18; students pay ISK 1,550
- Weekday afternoons are generally quieter
- Check current exhibitions on listasafnreykjavikur.is
- Pair with a walk along the Old Harbour
When to visit
Weekday afternoons tend to be quietest. It works well as an indoor option in bad weather at any time of year.
Accessibility
The museum occupies a converted warehouse and is generally reported as accessible, but visitors who use a wheelchair should confirm access arrangements with the museum before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Hafnarhús take?
Most visitors spend one to two hours, depending on how many of the changing exhibitions they explore.
Is Hafnarhús worth it for kids?
Entry is free for under 18 and Erró's colourful work often appeals to children. Some temporary exhibitions may suit older children better.
Is photography allowed?
Policies can vary by exhibition. Confirm with staff on arrival, as some temporary shows restrict photography.