Culture House, Reykjavik

The Culture House, constructed from 1906 to 1908, served as the initial location for Iceland's National Library and Archives, officially opening in 1909. Originally, it also housed the National Museum and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History, leading to its informal name, the Culture House, though this wasn't its official title. Since the 2000s, various institutions, including the 脕rni Magn煤sson Institution for Icelandic Studies, the National Gallery, and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History, have utilized the space for exhibitions. In 2013, the building, now a protected historical site, joined forces with the National Museum of Iceland.

Widely regarded as one of Iceland's architectural gems, the Culture House reflects meticulous attention to both interior and exterior design. Danish architect Johannes Magdahl Nielsen conceptualized it, while Icelandic artisans brought it to life, showcasing their skill. Its interior houses the original reading hall, a remarkable feature of the building. The oak furniture, designed by the building's caretaker Frederick Ki枚rboe, remains a highlight. A notable historical aspect is the building's cornerstone, placed on September 23rd, 1906, visible beneath the front steps.

Tip:
Free with your National Museum ticket or the Reykjavik City Card; there are free lockers.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Reykjavik. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Culture House
Sight Location: Reykjavik, Iceland (See walking tours in Reykjavik)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Walking Tours in Reykjavik, Iceland

Create Your Own Walk in Reykjavik

Creating your own self-guided walk in Reykjavik is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland. Located close to the Arctic Circle, it is the world's northernmost capital. This charming, eclectic destination is the center of Iceland's economy, culture, and government.

Reykjav铆k is considered to be Iceland's first settlement. According to ancient texts, Norseman Ingolfr Arnarson was drawn to Reykjav铆k's natural harbor and... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Reykjavik, although primarily famous as a base from which to explore the rest of Iceland, is surprisingly full of unique historic locations, many of which are off the beaten path and thus not overrun with tourists. In fact, unless you're accompanied by a historian or knowledgeable local, you can easily walk right past them and not realize their historical importance.

Relatively small in... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

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