Einar Jónsson Museum
Einar Jónsson (1874-1954) was Iceland´s first sculptor. When The Einar Jónsson Museum opened in 1923 it became the first public art museum in Iceland. The museum´s foundation can be traced back to 1909, when Einar gave his sculptures to the Icelandic nation with a stipulation that a museum be built to display them. Today the building is protected as a listed structure.
Einar was influenced by Nordic symbolism and the museum contains close to 300 of his artwork. At the beginning of his career the artist drew inspiration from folklore and mythology. His introduction to theosophy in 1910 had a great impact on both his life and art.
The museum was also the artist´s studio and home. Einar and Anna, his wife and first director of the museum, lived in the penthouse apartment, now a part of the museum. In the sculpture garden, behind the museum, are 26 bronze casts of Einar’s sculptures. The garden is open all year round and is a popular spot in the city.
Opening Hours
Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays.
The sculpture garden is always open.
Guided tours for groups by arrangement.
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