Reykjavík Museum of Photography

His photos shed light on the period from 1900 until the middle of the twentieth century, and offer glimpses from a period characterised by technological progress, and also by social change and the development of urban communities in Iceland.  

Magnús is often regarded as the Reykjavík photographer, as his pictures provide us with varied views of the capital at that period. Mass-production of stereoscopic photographs, introduced into Iceland by Magnús, had an extensive effect upon Icelanders’ visual perceptions, and they were also popular abroad, where they showcased Iceland’s landscapes and natural beauty. Magnús was, in addition, the first Icelander to tint enlarged photographs, using watercolours. 


Magnús is often regarded as the Reykjavík photographer, as his pictures provide us with varied views of the capital at that period.

Rock tunnel in Gjá, Þjórsárdalur © Reykjavík City Museum| Photo: Magnús Ólafsson

Magnús, who had been a shop manager in Akranes, west Iceland, decided in 1901, at the age of 39, to make his hobby, photography, into his career. For this purpose he went to Copenhagen to train as a photographer with Peter Elfelt, one of Denmark’s leading photographers of the time. After that Magnús moved his family to Reykjavík, and opened a studio at  Pósthússtræti 16 in 1901.

Magnús’s work includes documentary photographs of important events in the first half of the 20th century, such as the visit of the Danish King in 1907 and Women’s Rights Day on 19 June 1919.  He also took the first aerial photograph of Reykjavík, and he left a huge archive of photographs that depict the town at that time. 

This retrospective includes about 80 of Magnús’s photographs, comprising five main categories: Portraits, Economic Life, Reykjavík, the Countryside and Events. The photographs span his career as photographer from 1901 until his death in 1937. This exhibition about Magnús Ólafsson brings together the historical and the artistic heritage of Icelandic photography, and throws light on the important role he played in creating our image of Reykjavík, and Iceland as a whole, in the early 20th century. 



Magnús Ólafsson│Retrospective

Magnús Ólafsson (1862-1937) is a great pioneer of Icelandic photography. Ólafsson’s works, which form the basis of the Reykjavik Museum of Photography’s collection

Mag­nús Ólafs­son│Retrospective

Magnús Ólafsson (1862-1937) is a great pioneer of Icelandic photography. Ólafsson’s works, which form the basis of the Reykjavik Museum of Photography’s collection

Magnús Ólafsson│Retrospective