Treasures of a Nation

Collective Exhibition

5.6.2021 — 2.2.2023

The House of Collections

In this building the National Gallery of Iceland displays masterpieces of Icelandic art. Here are works of art dating from the latter half of the 19th century to the present day, that reflect the artists’ wide-ranging themes, offering visitors the welcome opportunity to see many of the nation’s most important works of art

The House of Collections

5.6.2021 2.2.2023

Project Manager of Exhibition

Dagný Heiðdal

Texts

Dagný Heiðdal

Marketing

Guðrún Jóna Halldórsdóttir

Events and Educational Programme

Ragnheiður Vignisdóttir

On 1 March 2021 the Culture House passed into the keeping of the National Gallery. The building, completed in 1909, was originally built to house the National Library, National Archives and National Museum collections. It was the first purpose-built facility for such collections in Iceland. This splendid old building now enables the National Gallery to hold a standing exhibition of key works from its collections, and it is a welcome addition to the Gallery’s exhibition spaces.

Róska 1940-1996

Hlandblautar löggur, 1967

LÍ-8981

Still lifes are also seen, in which artists work with everyday objects from their surroundings, colour, form and diverse textures; and, last but not least, the exhibition includes a selection from the National Gallery’s extensive collection of abstract art.

The top floor of the Culture House was in past times a popular viewing-point for the townspeople of Reykjavík, as the building stood high above the fast-expanding town around it. In the attic visitors can look out of the windows across the harbour to the sea beyond, and see for themselves the vistas that have inspired so many artists, as manifested in their art.

Helgi Þorgils Friðjónsson 1953-

Fiskar sjávar, 1995

LÍ-6100


The exhibitionTreasures of a Nation in the Culture House throws light on the invaluable collections of the National Gallery of Iceland; the art reflects the zeitgeist of each era, for art is in constant dialogue and renewal, in step with society itself


The top floor of the Culture House was in past times a popular viewing-point for the townspeople of Reykjavík, as the building stood high above the fast-expanding town around it.

2.10.2019 — 1.3.2020

Treasures of Icelandic Art

The museum is open every day from 10am - 5pm.