12 Best Sights in City Center West, Reykjavík

This striking architectural landmark is renowned for its innovative, dynamic design by Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríið Architects in collaboration with Danish--Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Known for his large-scale installations that engage natural elements, Eliasson contributed to Harpa's distinctive glass façade, which is absolutely magical to experience from both outside and within the building. The southern side of the building features over 1,000 12-sided glass modules, referred to as \"quasi-bricks,\" which create a kaleidoscopic effect by reflecting and refracting light, echoing Iceland's volcanic basalt formations. 

Harpa serves as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, conferences, and exhibitions as well as being the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Its location by the harbor enhances Reykjavík's skyline, making it a must-visit destination for both architecture enthusiasts and visitors seeking to experience the city's vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can book guided tours of the building, attend one of the many performances on schedule, or dine in one of the facility's restaurants. A cinematic exhibition called the Volcano Express runs in the basement of Harpa, introducing visitors to Iceland's volcanic activity.

Established in 1984, there are now more than 100 members creating work in the Icelandic Printmakers Association community. This is their gallery, studio, and event space, which is located inside of the Reykjavik Art Museum (entrance to the rear of the building) and hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and studio hours. As traditional print-making techniques are no longer taught in Iceland, some of the machinery in the workshop is one-of-a-kind in the country. 

This interactive exhibit has been constructed around remains of a Viking longhouse dating from around 871 (hence its name). Unearthed in 2001 during the construction of the Hotel Centrum, this remarkable find was preserved in situ and now occupies an oval-shape basement designed specially to frame the excavation site. A large, backlit panoramic image, showing how Reykjavík might have looked during the age of settlement, encircles the longhouse, and an illuminated strip installed in the surrounding walls marks the layer of tephra used to determine the approximate date of the remnants. Display boxes positioned around the longhouse house a collection of small items that were also unearthed in the excavation, giving a more complete picture of what life was like for Reykjavík's earliest inhabitants. 

Though established as a single-room exhibition, the Settlement Exhibition has been expanded in recent years, occupying the basement of neighboring buildings on Aðalstræti and making its way aboveground in the historic black timber house that stands at Aðalstræti 10. These newer wings continue the story of Reykjavík into the modern day, tracking the development of the capital through photos, video, and a scale model of the historic Kvósin neighborhood that is brought to life with the help of VR viewfinders. Aðalstræti has been staged partly as the residence of Reykjavík's bishop in the 19th century and partly as a general store from the early 20th century—two roles the building has played over the course of its life.

Also known as Hafnarhús, this former warehouse of the Port of Reykjavík now houses the city's main art museum. Six gallery halls occupy two floors, and there's a courtyard and \"multipurpose\" space. The museum's permanent collection includes a large number of works donated by the contemporary Icelandic artist Erró. There are also regular temporary exhibitions. Admission is free with the Reykjavík City Card.

Built in 1880–81, this is one of the country's oldest stone buildings. As the building was built while Iceland was under Danish rule (the country declared independence on June 17, 1944), it was designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl and bears the crown and crest of King Christian IX on the roof. Reliefs above four of the building's second-floor windows depict Iceland's guardian spirits: a giant, a great bird, a bull, and a dragon. Iceland's Alþingi (Parliament) held its first session in AD 930 and therefore can lay claim to being the oldest representative parliament in the world. At that time, the \"Þing\" (assembly) was held at Þingvellir. You can view the modern-day proceedings from the visitor's gallery here. Depending on the urgency of the agenda, any number of Iceland's 63 members of parliament, from six political parties, may be present. The public can also access a lovely garden space to the rear of Alþingi.

A place of worship has existed on this site since AD 1200. The current small church, built 1788–96, represents the state religion, Lutheranism. It was here that sovereignty and independence were first blessed and endorsed by the church. It's also where Iceland's national anthem, actually a hymn, was first sung in 1874. Since 1845, members and cabinet ministers of every Alþingi (Parliament) have gathered here for a service before the annual session. Among the treasured items inside is a baptismal font carved and donated by the famous 19th-century master sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, who was half Icelandic.

Both Icelandic and international artists display their work at this gallery that's considered one of Iceland's most prestigious. Exhibitions rotate constantly, and there are often events featuring local artists. The large windows overlooking Tryggvagata make it an enjoyable place to stroll by even outside of opening hours, as there is usually something interesting to peek at.

Now a focal point in Reykjavík's otherwise rambling city center, this square is flanked by the semi-pedestrian shopping Austurstræti to the south and the bustling thoroughfare Lækjargata to the east. It is the location of Reykjavík District Court, and houses a greenhouse maintained by the City of Reykjavík as well Söluturn, a wooden tower first built in 1907.

Modern architecture and nature converge at Reykjavík's city hall, a building overlooking Tjörnin Pond. Inside, a three-dimensional model of Iceland, over 76 square meters (819 square feet) in size, is often on display in the gallery when the space isn't being used for official events and other temporary exhibitions.

At this museum you can explore thousands of photographs from both amateur and professional photographers, dating back as far as 1860. This is a unique opportunity to explore more than 100 years of Reykjavík—and Iceland—through a variety of perspectives.

This natural pond by the City Hall is popular with ice skaters during the winter and attracts birds (and bird-lovers) year-round. A portion of the pond is kept warm by a flow of geothermal water, creating a year-round pool for the city's swan, goose, and duck population. Visitors are discouraged from feeding the birds during nesting season, as it attracts seagulls who like to feast on young waterfowl. Tjörnin is surrounded on its southern end by Hljómskálagarðurinn, an expansive public park that features a sculpture garden, a geothermal footbath, and a children's park.

The city's Customs House—a bureaucratic necessity, especially for an island nation—is decorated with an impressive mosaic mural. The piece of art depicts scenes from the local harbor and was designed by Gerð Helgadóttir. There isn't a ton to see inside, but the mural is worth a visit in itself. Rejuvenation of Tryggvagata in recent years has seen the installation of benches and more public space on the expanded sidewalk in front of the mosaic, providing more opportunity to stop and appreciate this massive installation.