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Árbær Folk Museum
Árbær Folk Museum is an open-air museum with old preserved houses. Most of the houses at the museum stood in downtown Reykjavík. It provides insight into the life and work of past generations. The museum was created around the old farm of Árbær, first mentioned in written records in 1464. The present farmhouse was built between1880-1920. Several workshops can be found in the old houses, such as a workshop for a goldsmith and a one for a printer, with a printing press. In the summertime, elderly citizens show old methods of work. Open daily in summertime and upon request in winter.
The National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum offers a permanent exhibition called Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland. It provides insight into the history and culture of the Icelandic nation from the time of settlement in the 9th century up until the present day. The exhibition includes approximately 2000 objects dating from the Settlement Age to present days, as well as numerous photographs from the 20th century. Different temporary exhibitions are available each year. The museum is open daily in summer and daily in winter except for Mondays.
The Saga Museum
The Saga Museum takes visitors through Icelandic history, from the time of the first settlers until the 16th century. With life-like replicas of historical Icelandic characters it shows 17 exhibits from the Icelandic sagas. Visitors are guided through the museum with a CD player and can choose between several languages. Open daily from 10-18:00 in summer, 12-17:00 in winter.
The Settlement Exhibition - Reykjavik 871±2
In 2001, a Viking Age Longhouse from around 930 AD was discovered in archaeological excavations in the heart of Reykjavik. A replica of this farmhouse is now on display and with the help of a multimedia technique and interactive exhibits, visitors can find out through interpretations of archaeologists how people lived at that time. Open daily from 10-17.00.
