Discover the early years of Reykjavík and the wonders of archeology at this modern, interactive museum, which shares its exhibits between two site-specific locations.
Discover the heritage and cultural history of this northern winter city at The Reykjavík City Museum. Located on two public sites, this museum presents its exhibits in interactive, innovative and entertaining ways. The first site located downtown, is the 871±2 Settlement Exhibition, built around the foundations of a Viking longhouse. The second museum, the Arbaejarsafn (Open Air Folk Museum), contains a collection of 20 heritage houses that were rescued and relocated to an older suburb in Reykjavík. Both museums educate in modern and engaging ways and trace the history of Reykjavík from the first settlements to today's modern day.
The 871±2 Settlement Exhibition is built around the hall and turf foundations that were excavated by archeologists in 2001. Both these structures date to the 9th century and are now protected by the surrounding museum. The unusual name of the museum refers to the time period that spans the two years either side of 871.
Step inside to view these archeological excavations and the impressive multi-media technology that brings the longhouse back to life. Activate images of the different people who would have lived in the longhouse by pushing various buttons on the display. This large screen has a 360-degree projection of the land around the longhouse and shows how it would have looked when it was created all those centuries ago. These cameras, with their immersive images, make it appear as though you are inside the longhouse. Watch the images of people perform daily functions and learn about Viking society and the art of archeology. The 871±2 Settlement Exhibition is open daily and is located in the city centre underneath the Hotel Reykjavík Centrum.
At the second museum, the Arbaejarsafn, you can stroll out in the open-air through a model village. Step back in time in this open-air museum and walk through the doorways of 19th-century homes, stables, a church and a boathouse. These rescued houses are re-modeled with furnishings of the period from where they came. Learn about traditional grass-roofed turf houses and the first eco-friendly homes where the construction is half under the ground. Talk with the guides who are dressed in period costume and enacting daily village life. The kids can enjoy exploring the small farm and pet the friendly sheep and horses. You may have already met them as they wandered freely through the streets. The Arbaejarsafn is located outside the city centre. It is accessible via bus and is 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the city centre.
