Permanent Exhibition

Overview

Step into 'The Making of a Nation,' the Permanent Exhibition at the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik, an immersive journey through 1200 years of the country's rich history and cultural evolution. This meticulously curated exhibition guides visitors chronologically from the earliest Viking settlements in the 9th century right up to the 20th and 21st centuries. Housing an impressive collection of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 objects, the exhibition presents a comprehensive narrative of Iceland's past. Through a blend of original artifacts, evocative photographs, and engaging multimedia displays, 'The Making of a Nation' offers a profound insight into the forces that shaped Icelandic society and identity.

History & Cultural Background

The National Museum of Iceland, known in Icelandic as Þjóðminjasafn Íslands, was formally established on February 24, 1863. Initially known as the Icelandic Antiquarian Collection, its inception marked a pivotal moment for Iceland's cultural independence, as many significant artifacts were previously housed in Danish museums. The museum's early years saw its collection housed in various temporary locations, including several attics across Reykjavik. It wasn't until 1950 that the museum moved to its current purpose-built home at Suðurgata 41, a decision that coincided with Iceland becoming an independent republic in 1944. The 'Making of a Nation' permanent exhibition itself underwent a significant redesign in 2004, introducing interactive elements and touchscreens to enhance the visitor experience, solidifying its role as the nation's primary repository and storyteller of its cultural heritage.

What Makes It Special

'The Making of a Nation' stands out for its exceptional breadth and depth, offering a continuous cultural history of Iceland that is both educational and deeply moving. The exhibition is designed as a chronological walk-through, commencing with a replica of a ship used by early settlers and concluding with modern images of Keflavík International Airport, symbolizing Iceland's journey from isolated island to a globally connected nation. The collection spans a vast array of objects, from archaeological finds and religious art to traditional clothing, furniture, and thousands of photographs, portraying both rare treasures and the everyday materials of Icelandic life. Its interactive displays and comprehensive audio guides, available in multiple languages, including English, German, and French, allow visitors to engage with the narratives at their own pace, making the 1200-year history truly accessible and memorable.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Among the countless objects within 'The Making of a Nation,' some truly captivate the imagination. A prime example is the magnificent 12th-century Valþjófsstaðir Church door, a priceless artifact featuring intricate carvings that tell the ancient European legend of a knight, his lion, and a dragon. Uniquely, it is the only known Icelandic door to include carvings in runic script. Another highlight is the small bronze Eyrarland Thor figure from the Viking Age, believed to depict the Norse god of thunder. Beyond these, visitors can discover suits of chain mail, early Icelandic bibles and legal manuscripts, and a complete 19th-century wooden house, offering a tangible connection to past lives. The exhibition also touches upon fascinating modern research, such as DNA analysis of Viking settlers' teeth, revealing surprising origins. For those seeking to visualize daily life, reconstructed domestic spaces, including turf houses, provide a vivid glimpse into how Icelanders lived centuries ago. The museum itself has garnered significant recognition, being voted 'Best Museum in Reykjavík' by the Reykjavík Grapevine for several consecutive years.

Visitor Perspective

Visitors consistently praise 'The Making of a Nation' as an essential experience for anyone wishing to understand Iceland's rich heritage. It is highly recommended to allocate at least 1.5 to 3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibition's depth. Conveniently located at Suðurgata 41, the museum is just a short walk from Reykjavik's city center and near the University of Iceland campus. The museum prides itself on its accessibility, offering wheelchair access, elevators, braille maps and texts, and even strollers for young children, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. The free audio guides, available in numerous languages, are particularly valuable for enriching the visit. After exploring, guests can enjoy refreshments at the museum's café or browse the gift shop for unique Icelandic books and souvenirs.