


Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús
About
The Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús offers families a vibrant introduction to Icelandic contemporary art through colorful exhibitions and hands-on creative activities designed specifically for children. With dedicated family programs, workshops, and interactive spaces, kids can explore their own artistic talents while experiencing Iceland's unique cultural perspective in a welcoming, kid-focused environment.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on art workshops where kids can create their own masterpieces to take home
- ✓Colorful contemporary art installations that capture children's imagination
- ✓Interactive family programs designed to make art accessible and fun for young visitors
- ✓Dedicated creative spaces where children can experiment with different art materials
- ✓Rotating exhibitions featuring bold Icelandic artists with kid-friendly visual appeal
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Thursday evenings when the museum stays open until 10:00 PM for a quieter experience, though verify workshop schedules as family programs typically run during daytime hours.
- 2.This is one of three museum locations (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundarsafn). One ticket grants access to all three within 24 hours, making it excellent value for families planning multiple visits.
- 3.Check the museum website before visiting for special family workshop schedules and book ahead if possible, as these popular sessions often fill up quickly during peak tourist season.
- 4.The museum is located near the Old Harbor, so combine your visit with a walk along the waterfront or lunch at nearby family-friendly restaurants.
- 5.English signage and materials are widely available, and staff members are fluent in English, making navigation easy for international visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM) for the quietest experience, especially Tuesday or Wednesday. Summer months (June-August) offer the most family programs but also the largest crowds. Late spring (May) and early fall (September) provide a good balance of activities and manageable visitor numbers.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable ($ rating), and children under 18 typically enter free. The museum is centrally located in downtown Reykjavík with street parking nearby (paid parking zones). There's a small café on-site, and the venue is wheelchair accessible with elevators.
Seasonal Notes
The museum operates year-round with consistent hours. Summer (June-August) features expanded family programming and special workshops. Winter visits offer a cozy indoor cultural activity perfect for Reykjavík's darker months. Holiday periods may have special exhibitions or adjusted hours, so check ahead.
Nearby Eats
Try Sægreifinn (Sea Baron) at the Old Harbor for casual, kid-friendly seafood including famous lobster soup. For a more relaxed option, Valdis Ice Cream on Grandagarður offers delicious Icelandic ice cream in unique flavors that kids love, just a short walk from the museum.
More Activities Near Reykjavik
Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
This delightfully spooky museum dives into Iceland's fascinating folklore and magical history, featuring unusual artifacts, eerie exhibits, and captivating tales of sorcerers and witchcraft from centuries past. The atmospheric displays and unique cultural stories provide an educational yet entertaining experience that older children and teens find genuinely intriguing, making it a memorable stop in Reykjavik.
Perlan
Perlan is a must-visit interactive museum that brings Iceland's natural wonders to life through hands-on exhibits, including a real indoor ice cave that kids can walk through. With planetarium shows, fascinating displays about glaciers, volcanoes, and northern lights, plus an observation deck offering 360-degree views of Reykjavik, it's an educational adventure the whole family will love.
National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland brings over 1,000 years of Viking and Icelandic history to life through interactive exhibits and child-friendly displays that captivate young minds. Special family guides and hands-on activities make this museum particularly welcoming for children, allowing them to explore Iceland's fascinating past from Norse settlement through modern times in an engaging, accessible way.
The Settlement Exhibition
The Settlement Exhibition brings Iceland's Viking past to life through authentic archaeological remains and interactive displays that captivate curious young minds. Built around a real 10th-century Viking longhouse discovered beneath downtown Reykjavik, this compact museum offers touchable replicas, multimedia presentations, and fascinating artifacts that make history tangible for children. The manageable size and engaging storytelling make it perfect for families who want an educational experience without overwhelming little ones.