Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum, located in Reykjavík, is one of the most unique and curious attractions in Iceland. This museum, dedicated to the collection and exhibition of penises and male genital parts from different animal species, represents a scientific and cultural exploration that goes beyond mere exhibitionism. Founded in 1997 by Sigurður Hjartarson, a former history teacher, the museum has gained international renown thanks to its unique collection and serious and scientific approach to sexology. The museum’s history begins with Hjartarson, who developed an interest in animal penises during his childhood when he received a dried bull penis used as a whip for cattle as a gift. This first specimen sparked a passion that turned into a vast and diverse collection, including specimens from over 200 different species, including whales, seals, polar bears, and various land mammals. The museum has a dual purpose: on one hand, it promotes scientific research and understanding of the different forms and functions of male genital organs in the animal kingdom; on the other hand, it challenges cultural and social perceptions of sex and sexuality. The collection includes penises preserved in formaldehyde, dried specimens, and molded reproductions. In addition to real samples, the museum houses a variety of artworks and artifacts related to the phallic, including sculptures, engravings, and everyday objects. One of the most fascinating sections of the museum is dedicated to cetaceans. The largest specimen in the collection is the penis of a blue whale, measuring about 1.7 meters and weighing almost 70 kilograms. This specimen is a focal point for many visitors, impressed not only by its size but also by the rare opportunity to see up close a part of the body that is difficult to observe in nature. The museum does not limit itself to biology; it also explores phallic iconography through the history and cultures of the world. Phallic representations have been symbols of fertility, power, and protection in many civilizations, from ancient Greece and Rome to indigenous cultures in Africa and the Americas. The artworks and objects on display illustrate how phallic symbolism has been used in rituals, religions, and visual arts, offering a global perspective on its cultural significance. A curious anecdote concerns the donation of the first human penis. The museum received a promise of donation from an Icelandic man who entered into a legal contract to donate his penis after his death. This specimen was met with great interest and curiosity, raising ethical and scientific questions about how to preserve and present parts of the human body. This section of the museum, still evolving, represents a delicate and complex territory that the museum treats with the utmost respect and rigor. From a social and cultural perspective, the Icelandic Phallological Museum has elicited mixed reactions. Some consider it a bizarre and controversial attraction, while others appreciate its contribution to open and non-judgmental discussions about sexuality. The museum has also sparked academic debates and attracted scholars in sexology, anthropology, and art history, who see it as a valuable resource for interdisciplinary research. Politically, the museum is an example of how Iceland, with its tradition of openness and innovation, addresses delicate issues and taboos in a progressive manner. The museum’s foundation was supported by public and private funding, and the Icelandic government has recognized its cultural and scientific value. This support reflects an attitude of inclusivity and intellectual curiosity that characterizes Icelandic society.