The Einar Jónsson Museum and the National Gallery of Iceland to Merge at the Turn of the Year

“We have a strong commitment to bringing these two museums together. I am confident that both institutions will be strengthened and that visual art will gain a clearer and more powerful voice in Icelandic society,” says Ingibjörg Jóhannsdóttir, Director of the National Gallery of Iceland.

“With increased support, we will be able to extend the opening hours of the Einar Jónsson Museum and reach more visitors. Around two million tourists pass through the square in front of Hallgrímskirkja every year, and the museum has great potential to engage them. At the same time, it is essential that we continue to reach the Icelandic public and students of all ages. Einar’s works are compelling, and the museum itself is a fascinating place that offers insight into a unique and imaginative world.”

During the coming spring semester, the children’s club Krummi will also begin activities at the Einar Jónsson Museum, as it already does at Fríkirkjuvegur and the Safnahúsið. There, children accompanied by adults will be introduced to the artist’s work through creative, hands-on activities.

In addition, short courses for adults will be offered. Sigurður Trausti Traustason, curator and specialist in Einar Jónsson’s work, will explore the artist’s visual language and symbolism, while visual artist Margrét H. Blöndal will lead guided viewings through drawing, engaging participants with both the artworks and the museum’s distinctive, almost fairy-tale-like building.

Over the past year, work has been underway to merge these two museums. Government policy is to merge institutions with the aim of strengthening their operations and services to the public, thereby achieving more efficient use of public funds. The Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education has led this process, which has highlighted various opportunities, and many ideas are currently in development within the newly merged museum.

The museum’s former board will be given a new role in overseeing the cast collection fund of the Einar Jónsson Museum and will serve in an advisory capacity to the National Gallery of Iceland.