World by City

Museums & galleries

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

Open in Maps
Reykjavík Museum of Photography

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

This museum houses a collection of approximately 5 million photographs dating from the 1870 to the present. The exhibits cover a broad spectrum of photographic history, including studio portraits, industrial imagery, advertising, and landscapes, providing a visual record of Iceland's evolution.

Getting There

The museum is located within the downtown area of Reykjavík. From the city centre, it is accessible via a short walk of a few minutes, depending on your starting point.

Visit Duration

Visitors typically spend between 1 and 2 hours exploring the galleries, depending on the current exhibitions and personal interest in the archives.

When to Visit

The museum is an indoor attraction, making it a viable option regardless of the season or weather conditions. It generally does not experience the same level of crowding as the city's primary tourist landmarks, though visiting during weekday mornings often provides a quieter experience.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its central location, the museum can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:

  • Reykjavik Art Museum (0.1km)
  • Kolaportið (0.2km)
  • The Settlement Exhibition (0.2km)
  • Austurvöllur (0.2km)

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.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Reykjavík Museum of Photography

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

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Reykjavík Museum of Photography Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Reykjavík hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Good to visit alongside

Reykjavik Art Museum

Museums & galleries

Reykjavik Art Museum

The Reykjavik Art Museum is Iceland's largest art museum, spread across three locations in the city. Each space showcases a different range of artworks.

0.1 km away

Kolaportið

Shopping & districts

Kolaportið

Kolaportið is a long-running flea market in Reykjavík, Iceland, where vendors sell all kinds of secondhand goods and small items. It's a fun place to browse and hunt for a special souvenir.

0.2 km away

the Settlement Exhibition

Museums & galleries

the Settlement Exhibition

Run by the Reykjavík City Museum, this exhibition displays Iceland's oldest known Viking longhouse ruins right where they were excavated. Other artifacts unearthed around the city are also on display.

0.2 km away

Austurvöllur

Parks & gardens

Austurvöllur

Austurvöllur is a square popular with Reykjavík locals, surrounded by cafés that make it a pleasant spot to relax on a sunny day. Located next to the Parliament House, it also frequently hosts rallies large and small.

0.2 km away

Icelandic Phallological Museum

Museums & galleries

Icelandic Phallological Museum

A quirky museum in Reykjavik showcasing a diverse collection centered on phallic specimens. Its unusual exhibits make it a fascinating stop for curious travelers.

0.3 km away

Reykjavík Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Reykjavík Cathedral

Reykjavík Cathedral is the principal church of Iceland's Lutheran denomination, standing on Austurvöllur Square in Reykjavík's old town. Next to the parliament building, it is well known for the tradition of holding a mass here each time parliament opens.

0.3 km away