The National Museum has fascinating exhibitions and a permanent display illustrating Iceland’s past, from Viking settlements in medieval days to contemporary culture. The main exhibition has over 2,000 artifacts discovered in various parts of the country. We had a short visit with Tauck Tours the day of embarkation and sped through this museum which deserves more than 45 minutes. There is an admission fee of 1,500 ISK.
An exhibition on various silver items made in Iceland was on exhibit to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the National Museum of Iceland with priceless treasures. Two floors are divided into: Time periods 800-1000, The Dawn of Icelandic Society; 1000-1200, Reign of Christian Chieftains; 1200-1400 Under Norwegian Rule; 1400-1600, Under Danish Rule; and so on.
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map showing location of National Museum in Reykjavik, Iceland
bejeweled hats, National Museum in Reykjavik, Iceland
gold and silver work, National Museum, Reykjavik
A few remarkable objects are wooden panels found in turf farmhouses in the Twentieth Century, and exquisite woodcarvings from a Twelfth Century Cathedral that survived within the church until they were stored in museums.
The Valbiofsstaour door is a key object. This Romanesque-style church door is believed to have been carved in Iceland and may have originally been one-third taller than the one on display. It is one of the museum’s most important treasures and features elaborate medieval engravings with scenes from a legendary Twelfth Century knight’s tale, Le Chevalier au Lion.
church pew, National Museum, Reykjavik
Twelfth Century Knight’s Tale door, National Museum, Reykjavik
ecclesiastical exhibit, National Museum, Reykjavik
An exquisite drinking horn was carved by skilled farmer who probably lived partly by his art, as many examples of his work are known. The horn is carved with scenes from the Old and New Testaments. At the top is the Wedding at Cana, where Christ turned water into wine; Judith is seen slaying Holofernes and at the bottom Joab is slaying Absolom, son of King David (Absolom hangs from an oak tree by his hair, and his mule runs off); and a man in the dragon’s mouth was carved at the point of the horn. The horn is dated 1598 with the name of the person who commissioned the horn.
National Museum drinking horn from 1598, Reykjavik
typical Icelandic farmhouse replica of its time, National Museum, Reykjavik
Another interesting exhibit was a replica of a typical farmhouse. The entire family lived in one, large room. Icelanders lived on farms which were widely distributed around the country, and raised sheep and cattle. Cultivation of cereal crops was minimal, while fishing was an important sideline. The main modes of transport were the horse and the boat.
Try to find a huge chunk of time to spend in the National Museum. It’s worth it!