Þjóðminjasafn Íslands/ National Museum of Iceland

ABOUT SAFETY The National Museum of Iceland is a science and service organization owned by the Icelandic government. It is therefore intended to be the center of national ministry and research on cultural history mines in the country. Its role is to enhance and disseminate knowledge of the Icelandic people's cultural heritage from start to day, and to contribute to the benefit of most of the history and memories of country and nation. The main part of the museum houses the National Museum's basic exhibition: The nation is created - culture and society for 1200 years.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM The National Museum was established on 24th of February 1863. Up until that time Icelandic museum pieces had been kept in Danish collections. Jón Árnason librarian was made curator of the Icelandic collection. Several months later he was given permission to hire another curator; Sigurður Guðmundsson 'the painter,' who was the first to advocate the establishment of an antiquarian collection in Iceland. In 2004 the National Museum of Iceland stood at a crossroad. The museum reopened its doors after extensive refurbishment and a modernized museum now offers a wide range of services to its guests. The museum is held a new, dynamic exhibition that fulfills all the modern standards required of such an establishment, housing the nation's treasures.

The role of the museum is to increase and relay knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage, from the nation's earliest settlement through to the modern day.

At the National Museum the present meets the past. Det er sundt for de islandske folk å spørre hvem de er, hvor de er og hva de ønsker å representere. What can they learn from past generations?

The National Museum shows objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history - displays that encourage visitors to live on the past, present and future. The museum aims to nurture knowledge and innovation while maintaining a wide perspective and sense of community.