Reykjavik Photography Museum

The Reykjavík Museum of Photography, located in the heart of the Icelandic capital, is a fundamental reference point for anyone interested in photography and its evolution. Founded in 1981, the museum has accumulated an impressive collection of around five million photographs, ranging from 1860 to the present day. This vast collection includes shots by professional and amateur photographers, embracing a variety of themes that reflect Icelandic culture and society over time. The museum’s mission is twofold: on one hand, to preserve the Icelandic photographic heritage, and on the other, to promote contemporary photography. Every year, the museum organizes about three major exhibitions and over ten minor exhibitions, providing a showcase for both established and emerging artists. Among the most notable exhibitions are those dedicated to famous photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mary Ellen Mark, and Marc Riboud, which have attracted a wide international audience. The museum’s collections are not limited to portraits and landscape photographs, but also include industrial, advertising, and press images, offering a complete snapshot of Iceland’s visual history. Among the treasures housed are family albums and portrait studio photographs, documenting not only daily life but also the major social and political changes in the country. For example, the photographs of Reykjavík’s harbor in July 1945, taken by Sigurhans Vignir, capture the emotional moment of Icelanders’ return from Scandinavia after World War II, a moment of great historical and emotional significance. The museum is also known for its commitment to research and publishing books that delve into various aspects of Icelandic photography. A significant example is the book “Móðirin í íslenskum ljósmyndum” (Mothers in Icelandic photographs), which explores the role of mothers in society through the lens of the camera. In addition to exhibitions, the Reykjavík Museum of Photography offers a series of events and educational activities, including conferences, workshops, and guided tours. These events are designed to engage both the local audience and tourists, offering unique opportunities to learn more about photography and Icelandic history. One of the most recent interesting events was the exhibition “Lament for a Horse” by Hlynur Pálmason, which also included a public artist talk, demonstrating the museum’s commitment to promoting dialogue between artists and visitors. The museum is part of the Reykjavík City Museum, an institution that includes four other museums located in different parts of the city, each with its own specialization, creating a rich cultural network. The Museum of Photography is located at Tryggvagata 15, in a central location that makes it easily accessible to everyone.