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Museums & galleries

National Gallery of Iceland

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National Gallery of Iceland

National Gallery of Iceland

The National Gallery of Iceland is an art museum that houses a collection of Icelandic art. Visitors go here to view works by leading Icelandic painters and pieces that provide insight into the country's traditional culture.

Getting There

The museum is located within the central area of Reykjavík. If you are staying in the city centre, it is accessible via a short walk of a few minutes, depending on your exact starting point.

Visit Duration

Depending on your interest in the specific exhibitions and the size of the current collection on display, allow approximately two to three hours to walk through the galleries.

When to Visit

The museum is generally accessible throughout the year. To avoid the largest groups of tourists, visiting during weekday mornings is typically quieter than weekends or mid-day periods.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the gallery can be combined with several other landmarks within walking distance:

  • Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík: 0km
  • Tjörnin: 0.2km
  • Reykjavík Cathedral: 0.3km
  • Austurvöllur: 0.3km

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near National Gallery of Iceland

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík

Temples & religious sites

Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík

A Lutheran church independent of the Icelandic National Church, standing beside Lake Tjörnin in the city center. It's a pleasant spot to take in the modest church building along with the lakeside scenery.

0.0 km away

Tjörnin

Nature

Tjörnin

Tjörnin is a shallow lake in Reykjavík that attracts a variety of migratory birds and waterfowl. In winter, the surface freezes over and people can be seen skating on it.

0.2 km away

Reykjavík Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Reykjavík Cathedral

Reykjavík Cathedral is a Lutheran cathedral on Austurvöllur square in downtown Reykjavík and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Iceland. It stands right next to the parliament building, making it easy to explore both on a stroll.

0.3 km away

Austurvöllur

Parks & gardens

Austurvöllur

A central square surrounded by streets lined with cafés, where locals like to gather on fine-weather days. Its proximity to the Parliament House also makes it a frequent stage for rallies large and small.

0.3 km away

the Settlement Exhibition

Museums & galleries

the Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition is a museum in downtown Reykjavík where you can see the oldest known Viking-age house ruins in Iceland preserved right where they were excavated. Artifacts found nearby are also on display, offering a close look at daily life in the early settlement period.

0.4 km away

National Theatre of Iceland

Culture & venues

National Theatre of Iceland

Opened in 1950, the National Theatre of Iceland stands out for its striking facade, designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson. It's a great place to catch a play or performance and experience local culture up close.

0.5 km away