Aðal­stræti

Reyk­javík’s his­tory in a nut­shell

©Reykjavík City Museum| Photo: Vigfús Birgisson

©Reykjavík City Museum| Photo: Vigfús Birgisson

At Aðalstræti 10 and 16 in Reykjavík’s city centre, you can explore how the city developed from Iceland’s settlement period to the present day. Stretching underground from Aðalstræti 16 – which houses the archaeological remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse – to the central Kvosin area’s oldest remaining building at Aðalstræti 10, this historical exhibition traces Reykjavík’s development from a farm to a city.

Horsemen pose for a photograph in front of Aðalstræti 10 in Reykjavík, in front of Helgi Zoega‘s store, 1914.

Horsemen pose for a photograph in front of Aðalstræti 10 in Reykjavík, in front of Helgi Zoega‘s store, 1914.

Ex­hib­i­tions

Aðalstræti
Aðalstræti

The Set­tle­ment Ex­hib­i­tion - Step into the Vik­ing Age

Just be­low ground in the main street in the centre of Reyk­javík called Aðal­stræti, an open ex­cav­a­tion un­cov­ers the city's Vik­ing Age his­tory. A new ad­di­tion to the ex­hib­i­tion was opened in May 2022. This new dis­play is a dir­ect con­tinu­ation of The Set­tle­ment Ex­hib­i­tion, rep­res­ent­ing Reyk­javík's his­tory from set­tle­ment to the present day.

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Events

The Settlement Exhibition

Free Entry to the Settlement Exhibition on Culture Night

On the occasion of Culture Night, admission to the Settlement Exhibition at Aðalstræti 10 and 16 will be free from 10:00 to 20:00 on 23 August.

Free Entry to the Settlement Exhibition on Culture Night
The Settlement Exhibition

Viking Costume Corner and Open Workshop on Culture Night

On the occasion of Culture Night, we invite families to join us for some Viking fun at the Settlement Exhibition on 23 August from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Viking Costume Corner and Open Workshop on Culture Night
The Settlement Exhibition

Silent Film Screening on Culture Night

On the occasion of Culture Night, the dramatic film “Lay Down Your Arms!” (“Ned med Vaabnene!”) from 1914 will be shown at Aðalstræti 10 from 17:00 to 20:00. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Silent Film Screening on Culture Night
The Settlement Exhibition

Mead - Viking Style on Culture Night

On the occasion of Culture Night, visitors will have the opportunity to taste mead, the ancient drink and learn about how it's brewed at the Settlement Exhibition on 23 August from 18:00 to 20:00. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Mead - Viking Style on Culture Night
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Ex­hib­i­tions

Aðalstræti
Aðalstræti

The Set­tle­ment Ex­hib­i­tion - Step into the Vik­ing Age

Just be­low ground in the main street in the centre of Reyk­javík called Aðal­stræti, an open ex­cav­a­tion un­cov­ers the city's Vik­ing Age his­tory. A new ad­di­tion to the ex­hib­i­tion was opened in May 2022. This new dis­play is a dir­ect con­tinu­ation of The Set­tle­ment Ex­hib­i­tion, rep­res­ent­ing Reyk­javík's his­tory from set­tle­ment to the present day.

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Events

Guided Tour

Guided tour through the exhibition in Aðalstræti

Mu­seum Shop

The museum shop in Aðalstræti 16