Árbæjarsafn er útisafn sem var stofnað árið 1957 en auk Árbæjar eru þar yfir tuttugu hús, sem mynda torg, þorp og sveit. Í Árbæjarsafni er leitast við að gefa hugmynd um byggingalist og lifnaðarhætti í Reykjavík á 19. og 20. öld. Hvert og eitt hús geymir annaðhvort sjálfstæða sögusýningu eða þá að þar er sýnt dæmigert heimili frá ákveðnu tímabili. Á safninu má einnig sjá gamaldags verkstæði ýmiskonar þar sem sjá má dæmigerða aðstöðu, tækni og tól.

Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century, and the museum opened there in 1957. Árbær is now an open-air museum with more than 20 buildings which form a town square, a village and a farm. Most of the buildings have been relocated from central Reykjavik. The Museum seeks to give an idea of Reykjavik's architecture and way of life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Each house contains an independent historical exhibition or a typical home from a specific period. The museum also houses old-fashioned workshops on typical facilities, technology, and tools.

The guide takes guests to all the main houses of the museum and tells their stories. The guided tour is in English and takes just over an hour.

Guided tour at Árbær Open Air Museum

Leiðsögumaður fer með gesti í öll helstu hús Árbæjarsafns og segir frá sögu þeirra. Leiðsögnin fer að mestu fram á ensku og tekur rúma klukkastund.

Leiðsögn á Árbæjarsafni

Leiðsögn

Varðskipið Óðinn er hluti af Sjóminjasafninu og um leið ein helsta sýning safnsins. Skipið kom til safnsins árið 2008 og er varðveitt í því ástandi sem það kom. Boðið er upp á leiðsagnir á hverjum degi fyrir utan köldustu vetrarmánuðina auk þess sem skipið er opið gestum á hátíðisdögum sem er þá sérstaklega auglýst. 

Í leiðsögn er gengið um skipið, sagt frá sögu þess, lífinu um borð og því hlutverki sem að það gegndi hjá Landhelgisgæslu Íslands. Hver leiðsögn tekur tæplega klukkustund.

Til þess að tryggja öryggi um borð skal hafa í huga:

Lágt getur verið til lofts og hvassar brúnir og horn sem hægt er að reka sig í. Stigar eru brattir. Skipið hentar ekki fólki sem fær innilokunarkennd eða hefur skerta hreyfigetu. Börn yngri en 12 ára skulu ætíð vera í fylgd með fullorðnum.

Börn eru á ábyrgð forráðamanna.

The Coast Guard Vessel Óðinn is a part of the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. It is, as such, one of the Maritime Museum's primary exhibitions. It is preserved in the condition in which it arrived at the museum in 2008.

We offer daily guided tours on board the vessel except during the coldest winter months. It is also open to the public on national holidays, which we announce especially.

A guided tour includes walking around the vessel and hearing about the history on board and its role under the Icelandic Coast Guard. Each guided tour takes a little less than an hour.

To ensure safety on board, you should keep the following in mind:

The ceiling can be low, and please beware of sharp edges. The stairs are steep. The ship is not suited for people with claustrophobia or with reduced mobility.

We offer daily guided tours at 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00 on board the Coast Guard vessel Óðinn from 1 March to 31 October, focusing on the Cod Wars and the vessel's rescue history. Welcome aboard!

The Coast Guard Vessel Óðinn - guided tour on board

Við bjóðum daglegar leiðsagnir  kl. 13, 14 og 15 frá 1. mars til 31. október í hinu sögufræga varðskipi Óðni þar sem þorskastríðin og björgunarsaga skipsins eru í brennidepli. Velkomin um borð!

Varðskipið Óðinn - leiðsögn um borð

Þarftu táknmálstúlkun?
Við höfum þann háttinn á að þau sem óska eftir táknmálstúlk, hafa samband sjálf við Samskiptamiðstöð heyrnarlausra og heyrnarskertra. Þetta er í boði á völdum viðburðum. Samskiptamiðstöð sendir svo reikning beint á Borgarsögusafn Reykjavíkur.

Aðgengi fyrir hreyfihamlað fólk í Aðalstræti er gott. Hjálparhundar eru velkomnir í safnið.
Strætisvagnar: Næstu stoppistöðvar heita MR og Ráðhúsið (2-5 mín. gangur).

Accessibility:
The Aðalstræti venue is wheelchair accessible. However, please note that the lighting inside the Settlement Exhibition is quite dim, and parts of the floor are uneven. Service dogs are welcome in the museum.
Public Transport: The nearest bus stops are MR and Ráðhúsið (a 2-5 minute walk).
Parking: We recommend parking at Ráðhúsið (City Hall) and the parking garage on Vesturgata.

On October 21st from 16:00–17:00, the fourth lecture in the series Tuesday Threads will be held at the Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

Please note: The lecture will be in Icelandic.

This time, folklorist Guðný Ósk Guðnadóttir will present her recent research about the impact and aftermath of the landslides in Seyðisfjörður.

The research explores the experiences of the town’s residents during the mudslides that struck Seyðisfjörður in December 2020, causing immense destruction. It examines both the material and psychological consequences of the disaster, as well as how it affected the residents’ connection to their hometown and their willingness to continue living in the fjord.

The event is presented in collaboration between the Reykjavík City Museum and the Icelandic Folklorists’ Association.

Tuesday Threads - The Impact and Aftermath of the Landslides in Seyðisfjörður

Þann 21. október kl. 16:00-17:00 verður flutt fjórða erindið í fyrirlestraröðinni Þriðjudagsþræðir á Landnámssýningunni Aðalstræti. Ókeypis inn og öll velkomin!

Í þetta sinn mun Guðný Ósk Guðnadóttir þjóðfræðingur kynna nýlega rannsókn sína, „Þarna vil ég búa, undir fossinum á túninu“: Áhrif og eftirmálar skriðufallanna á Seyðisfirði.

Rannsóknin fjallar um upplifun bæjarbúa af aurskriðunum sem féllu í Seyðisfirði í desember 2020 og ollu gífurlegri eyðileggingu. Efnislegar og sálrænar afleiðingar hamfaranna eru til skoðunar sem og þau áhrif sem þær höfðu á tengsl íbúa við heimabæ sinn og vilja þeirra til áframhaldandi búsetu í firðinum.

Viðburðurinn er haldinn í góðu samstarfi Borgarsögusafns og Félags þjóðfræðinga á Íslandi.

Þriðjudagsþræðir - Áhrif og eftirmálar skriðufallanna á Seyðisfirði

Fræðsla

Fyrirlestur

Aðgengi er gott í Aðalstræti. Athugið þó að það er fremur lítil lýsing inni í sýningarsal hjá skálarústinni og þar er gólfið ójafnt á köflum. Leiðsöguhundar eru velkomnir í safnið.
Strætisvagnar stoppa við Ráðhúsið (2 mín. gangur) og í Lækjargötu (5 mín. gangur).

The Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti is accessible, though please note that lighting is low in the exhibition hall by the longhouse ruins, and the floor is uneven in places. Guide dogs are welcome in the museum.
Public transport: Buses stop at Ráðhúsið (2-minute walk) and Lækjargata (5-minute walk).

Welcome to the Settlement Exhibition during the autumn break, 24-28 October at 10:00-17:00. Twelve small, colorful mice live there. They scurry here and there, to and fro - but can you find them all? Free admission and everyone is welcome!

This event is part of the Reykjavík City Museum’s Autumn break program. Admission is free to all museum locations for adults accompanied by children 24-28 October.

12 Little Mice - Scavenger Hunt during Autumn Break

Verið velkomin á Landnámssýninguna Aðalstræti í haustfríinu 24.-28. október kl. 10-17. Þar búa 12 litlar, litríkar mýs. Þær þvælast hingað og þangað, tvist og bast, en getur þú fundið þær allar? Ókeypis inn og öll velkomin.

Viðburðurinn er hluti af haustfrísdagskrá Borgarsögusafns. Frítt er inn á alla sýningarstaði safnsins fyrir fullorðna í fylgd barna dagana 24.-28. október.

12 litlar mýs - Ratleikur í haustfríinu

Welcome to the Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti during the autumn break, 24-28 October at 10:00-17:00. On site, you’ll find plenty of fun paper dolls, masks, and coloring sheets to cut out and decorate. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

This event is part of the Reykjavík City Museum’s Autumn break program. Admission is free to all museum locations for adults accompanied by children 24-28 October.

Cutting and Colouring Workshop during Autumn Break

Verið velkomin á Landnámssýninguna í Aðalstræti í haustfríinu 24.-28. október kl. 10-17. Á staðnum verða fullt af skemmtilegum dúkkulísum, grímum og litablöðum sem gaman er að klippa út og lita. Ókeypis inn og öll velkomin!

Viðburðurinn er hluti af haustfrísdagskrá Borgarsögusafns. Frítt er inn á alla sýningarstaði safnsins fyrir fullorðna í fylgd barna dagana 24.-28. október.

Klippi- og litasmiðja í haustfríinu

Smiðja

Aðgengi fyrir hreyfihamlaða er gott á Sjóminjasafninu, sérstaklega við inngang Grandagarðsmegin. Lyfta er á milli hæða. Strætisvagnar 3. og 14. stoppa á stoppistöðinni Grandagarður, rétt við safnið.

The Maritime Museum is wheelchair accessible, especially via the entrance on the Grandagarður side. There is an elevator between floors.
Public transport: Bus routes 3 and 14 stop at Grandagarður, right next to the museum.

Welcome to the Reykjavík Maritime Museum during autumn break for a family activity around the exhibition Fish & folk on 24-28 October at 10:00-17:00. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

The family activity is a great way for the whole family to explore the museum through fun challenges that guide you through the exhibition. There are three different difficulty levels to choose from. There will also be board games available in the Pier Hall for anyone who wants to relax after the family activity.

This event is part of the Reykjavík City Museum’s Autumn break program. Admission is free to all museum locations for adults accompanied by children 24-28 October.

Family Activity during Autumn Break

Verið velkomin í fjölskylduleik um sýninguna Fiskur & fólk á Sjóminjasafninu í Reykjavík í haustfríinu 24.-28. október kl. 10-17. Ókeypis inn og öll velkomin!

Fjölskylduleikurinn er frábær leið fyrir alla fjölskylduna að skoða safnið með aðstoð skemmtilegra þrauta sem leiðir ykkur í gegnum sýninguna. Þrjú mismunandi erfiðleikastig eru á þrautunum. Einnig verða borðspil í Bryggjusalnum, fyrir alla sem vilja setjast niður í rólegheitum eftir fjölskylduleikinn.

Viðburðurinn er hluti af haustfrísdagskrá Borgarsögusafns. Frítt er inn á alla sýningarstaði safnsins fyrir fullorðna í fylgd barna dagana 24.-28. október.

Fjölskylduleikur um Fiskur & fólk í haustfríinu

Reykjavík Museum of Photography

The Women's Day Off October 24 1975  

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

A View of the North

Steingrímur Hermannsson, prime minister with drag queens on election night, 20 April 1991

Gunnar V. Andrésson Press Photographer  │Half a Century Through the Lens

Árbær Open Air Museum

Growing Pains

Fish & folk – 150 years of fisheries

Viðey Island

Milestones│Richard Serra

The Imagine Peace Tower

Consumption – Reykjavík in the 20th century

The Age of Carts

Come and play!

Aðalstræti

Playing in capelin,1972.  Photo: Gunnar Heiðdal, Alþýðublaðið

### Árbær Open Air Museum

**- 24-28 October 13:00-17:00 // Ghost Scavenger Hunt**

Welcome to Árbær Open Air Museum for a ghost scavenger hunt 24-28 October at 13:00-17:00. Free entry and everyone is welcome!

Can you find the ghosts in the museum area?
This game will take you around the area, with stops where you can have fun while searching for several ghosts hiding around the museum.
The game can be obtained at the museum's front desk.
 
**- 27 October 13:00-14:00 and 14:00-15:00 // Turnip Cutting Workshop - Registration**

Welcome to a turnip carving workshop on 27 October at 13:00-14:00 and 14:00-15:00. The workshop is intended for children aged 7–10. Admission is free and everyone is welcome, but registration is required.

Please note that there are two workshop sessions available, and it is necessary to register to secure a spot. Please book a place and specify which time you prefer, 13:00-14:00 or 14:00-15:00, by sending an email to hopar.borgarsogusafn@reykjavik.is

In the 16th century, people in Ireland carved turnips. These were placed outside the front door to scare away evil spirits and welcome guests. A lit candle was placed inside the turnip.

In the 19th century, Irish immigrants brought the tradition to the United States, where pumpkins began to be used instead of turnips.
Please note that there is a limited number of turnips available, with one turnip per child. Tools must be shared during the workshop.



### The Settlement Exhibition / Aðalstræti

**- 24-28 October 10:00-17:00 // 12 Little Mice – Scavenger Hunt**

Welcome to the Settlement Exhibition during the autumn break, 24-28 October at 10:00-17:00. Twelve small, colorful mice live there. They scurry here and there, to and fro - but can you find them all? Free admission and everyone is welcome!


**- 24-28 October 10:00-17:00 // Cutting and Colouring Workshop**

Welcome to the Settlement Exhibition in Aðalstræti during the autumn break, 24-28 October at 10:00-17:00. On site, you’ll find plenty of fun paper dolls, masks, and colouring sheets to cut out and decorate. Free admission and everyone is welcome!




### Reykjavík Museum of Photography


**- 24 October 11:00-13:00 // Badge Making Workshop – The Women‘s Day Off**

Welcome to a badge making workshop at the Reykjavík Museum of Photography in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Women's Day Off Friday, 24 October at 12:00-14:00. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

There is currently an exhibition about the Women's Day Off on 24 October 1975 at the Reykjavík Museum of Photography. On that day, women stopped both paid and unpaid work, effectively halting society. Since then, the protest has been repeated six times to highlight various forms of discrimination against women in the labor market and to draw attention to women's contributions to society. The exhibition ends on 26 October.


**- 24-28 October during opening hours // Photo Challenge**

During the autumn break, 24-28 October, curious kids can take part in a photo challenge at the Reykjavík Museum of Photography during opening hours. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

The challenge involves closely exploring the museum’s exhibition featuring photographs by Gunnar V. Andrésson. The exhibition showcases news photography from 1966 to 2018, illustrating how society has changed over the past 50 years. There’s plenty to see and discover.





### Reykjavík Maritime Museum
 
 
**- 24-28 October 10:00-17:00 // Family Activity – Fish & Folk**

Welcome to the Reykjavík Maritime Museum during autumn break for a family activity around the exhibition Fish & folk on 24-28 October at 10:00-17:00. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

The family activity is a great way for the whole family to explore the museum through fun challenges that guide you through the exhibition. There are three different difficulty levels to choose from. There will also be board games available in the Pier Hall for anyone who wants to relax after the family activity.



**- 28 October 10:00-12:00 // Morse Code Workshop**

Welcome to a Morse code workshop at the Reykjavík Maritime Museum during the autumn break, 28 October at 10:00-12:00. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

Would you like to learn how to write your name in Morse code? Or even send a secret message? During the autumn break, we invite families to a Morse code workshop where you can explore this fascinating communication method and create necklaces or bracelets using beads that represent Morse signals. The workshop will take place in the Pier Hall on the 1st floor. Instructions and all materials will be provided.

Morse code is a communication system where sound, light, or signals of varying lengths are used instead of letters and numbers. It was once widely used on ships to send urgent messages - especially when other forms of communication were unavailable. By flashing lights or sending sound signals, ships could transmit distress calls, locations, or other important information across long distances


Autumn Break at the Reykjavík City Museum 2025

Program

Au­tumn Break at the Reyk­javík City Mu­seum 2025

Pro­gram

Autumn Break at the Reykjavík City Museum 2025

Program