Einar Jonsson Museum

Einar Jonsson was the first Icelander to work as a sculptor professionally, and he gave his work to the nation on the condition that a building be provided for it. The result, opened in 1923 on Skolavorduholt when the hill was still outside the built-up town, was the first art museum in Iceland, designed by the artist himself as a windowless white block that reads as part fortress and part church. He lived and worked in it until his death in 1954. The sculptures are symbolist and heavily allegorical, drawing on Norse myth and Christian imagery. The garden behind holds bronze casts and is open free at any hour.

What you actually see

• Iceland's first art museum - opened 1923, designed by the artist.
• A windowless white block - part fortress, part church, on the hill.
• Symbolist sculpture - Norse myth and Christian allegory.
• A free sculpture garden - bronzes behind the building, always open.

When to go

Year round; the garden is pleasant in summer and free. One to two hours.

Honest expectations

The museum keeps limited hours and closes some days entirely - check before walking up. The work is dense and allegorical, which not everyone warms to. The interior is small. The garden alone is worth the detour if the museum is shut.

Nearby

Hallgrimskirkja is next door; the centre is downhill.