Listasafnið

Listasafnið, or Listasafn Íslands, is the national gallery of Iceland and the country’s principal public museum of visual art. Based in Reykjavík, it preserves and presents Icelandic art from the 19th century to the present and holds the national collection of Icelandic visual artists. The institution organizes temporary exhibitions, acquires works, and runs educational programs and scholarly activities.

History and role: The museum emerged from late-19th-century efforts to establish a public art collection and gallery. Since its formation as a national cultural institution, Listasafnið has expanded its holdings through acquisitions, donations, and bequests and has engaged in partnerships with international institutions to bring exhibitions to Iceland.

Collections: The national collection concentrates on Icelandic painting, drawing, sculpture, prints, and other media, with holdings that span historical to contemporary periods. The museum aims to represent key moments and figures in Icelandic art while situating local production within broader international art movements. Where appropriate, it also hosts works by foreign artists to provide context for Icelandic art.

Facilities and programs: Listasafnið offers gallery spaces for rotating exhibitions, public and educational programs, curator-led tours, and research resources. The institution provides digital access to select works and publications, supporting scholars, students, and visitors in engaging with Icelandic visual culture.

See also: Culture of Iceland, Listasafn Reykjavíkur, National galleries, Icelandic art.