Árbær Open Air Museum

A World of Experiences

Experience the history at Árbær Open air Museum ©Reykjavík City Museum | Photo: Vigfús Birgisson

The Árbær Open Air Museum is Iceland ‘s largest of its kind and home to a fascinating collection of historical buildings, most of which were relocated from Reykjavík’s city centre. Each of the buildings has a story to tell.

©Reykjavík City Museum | Photo: Vísir Newspaper (August 1965).

Exhibitions

Árbær Open Air Museum

Growing Pains

The experimental exhibition "Growing Pains" gives you an insight into the world of primary school children in Reykjavík between 1898 and 1974.

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Árbær Open Air Museum

Consumption – Reykjavík in the 20th century

The exhibition aims to show the huge and rapid changes that took place in consumption patterns in Reykjavík during the 20th century – to explore the factors that affected consumption, and how technical advances, government actions, wars, and events in Iceland and abroad influenced the daily life of the people of Reykjavík.

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Árbær Open Air Museum

The Age of Carts

Even though the wheel is a ancient invention it arrived late to Iceland. Transport over long distances were in principle the same from the time of settlement to the 19th century, namely on horses

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Árbær Open Air Museum

Come and play!

The exhibition focuses on children's culture, toys and games in the last century. It is housed in a former church and sports hall called Landakot. The exhibition is interactive and it suits children in all age groups. Open at the same time as the museum.

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Árbær Open Air Museum

From High Mass to High Jump

The story of the building Landakot is told in the exhibition From High Mass to High Jump. The house was built in 1897 as the first catholic church in Iceland since the Reformation. In 1930 it became a sportshall and remained as such until 2004 when it was relocated to the museum.

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Árbær Open Air Museum