House Party - 50 Year An­niversary of the European Year of Build­ing Con­ser­va­tion

Programme: 14:00–15:00 – Special guided tour of the museum buildings from an architectural perspective. 13:00–16:00 – Family scavenger hunt of the houses of Árbær Open Air Museum – led by Alma Sigurðardóttir, architect and building preservation specialist. 13:00–16:00 – Open house at the Building Preservation Centre: Advice on restoring old houses – with Bjarki Þór Wium Sveinsson, carpenter and architecture student, and Magnús Skúlason, architect. 13:00–16:00 – Presentation of the museum’s research in the field of building preservation – by Drífa Kristín Þrastardóttir, project manager for building preservation at the Reykjavík City Museum. 13:00–16:00 – Skilled Hands at Work: Watch a craftsman carry out repairs on a house. This year marks 50 years since the European Architectural Heritage Year of 1975. That year served as a major inspiration for those working in building preservation in Iceland and is considered a turning point in the fight to protect architectural heritage, much like it was across Europe. The Reykjavík City Museum plays a multifaceted role in the preservation and conservation of the city’s architectural heritage. At Árbær Open Air Museum, buildings of historical and artistic value are preserved, reflecting the development of urban life and living conditions in Reykjavík. The museum also conducts research on the city’s architectural and settlement history and maintains a building registry with information on the history and preservation status of buildings in the city. The results of these preservation studies are published in a series of reports on settlements and buildings. The museum works closely with the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland and the City of Reykjavík’s Department of Environment and Planning on matters related to building and archaeological preservation, urban planning, and development. Accessibility: The museum’s footpaths are mainly gravel. Many historic houses have steps and thresholds. Service dogs are welcome. Public Transport: Nearest bus stop: Árbæjarsafn (1-minute walk). Other stops: Laxakvísl and Fagribær (5–6 minutes away). Free parking, including blue-badge parking spots opposite the entrance, is available.