2_1_ScanMag_80_Sep-Oct_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 15/09/2015 19:39 Page 94
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Iceland
Attraction of the Month, Iceland
Discover Reykjavík’s rich cultural heritage Comprising of five individual sites, Reykjavik City Museum showcases the diverse history and rich cultural heritage of Iceland’s capital through thought-provoking, engaging and family-friendly exhibitions. By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Reykjavík City Museum
“Going to a museum is an experience that stimulates our minds, broadens our horizons and enhances our understanding of our history and culture,” says Gudrún Helga Stefánsdóttir, manager of marketing and public relations at Reykjavík City Museum. “Learning something about the place you’re visiting gives you an invaluable insight into its culture. If you’re interested in learning about the diverse history of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík City Museum is simply the best place to do so.” Early last year, five of Reykjavík’s main historical and cultural museums, Árbær Open Air Museum, the Settlement Exhibition and Settlement Sagas, Reykjavík Maritime Museum, Reykjavík Museum of Photography and Videy Island, were united under Reykjavík City Museum – a forward-thinking,
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modern institution that seeks to preserve and uphold the city’s history and culture. “Our aim is to inspire our visitors to reflect on what they see. For our exhibitions, we choose subjects that haven’t been explored in great detail,” explains Stefánsdóttir. An exhibition at Árbær Open Air Museum, for example, reveals the so-called secret economy of housewives in 1900-1970, who would come up with creative ways to make money, from growing potatoes to making clothes, on top of all their household duties. A variety of events are held in connection to the different festivals celebrated in the city throughout the year. On Museum Night, a concert was staged in the helicopter hangar on Coast Guard Vessel Ódinn at the Maritime Museum. This occasion attracted
many young people, who, along with children, are always kept in mind when designing exhibitions and planning events. At the Settlement Exhibition, for example, the history of the settlement of Reykjavík is presented in an interactive way with the help of modern technology. There is a designated family corner where children and adults can create something inspired by the exhibition. Whatever time of year you visit, there is always something to enjoy at Reykjavík City Museum. The Settlement Exhibition now has extended opening hours from 9am to 8pm, while entry to Reykjavík Museum of Photography is free all year round. Although Árbær Open Air Museum is only fully open in summer, you can pop by at 1pm every day in winter for a guided tour. The ferry to Videy island goes daily during summer and on weekends during winter. For more information, please visit: www.borgarsogusafn.is