Programme of the week
Christian Marclay at the Opening of his exhibition
National Gallery of Iceland 2025
Christian Marclay – The Clock
Photos from the Opening Night
Last Friday, we celebrated the Icelandic premiere of Christian Marclay’s acclaimed masterpiece The Clock (2010) at the National Gallery of Iceland.
This epic, 24-hour video installation unfolds in real time, seamlessly weaving thousands of film clips into a captivating narrative. The Clock is a cinematic meditation on time and human experience—an exploration of our shared daily rituals, chance encounters, and the unexpected moments that shape our lives.
The premiere featured a full 24-hour screening, during which guests remained fully immersed, watching until the sun rose again. A second 24-hour screening is planned for the summer solstice on June 21.
Images from the opening: Eitt merkilegasta verk 21. aldarinnar á Íslandi - Vísir
About the exhibition: Christian Marclay, The Clock | National Gallery of Iceland
Buy your tickets online: Plan your visit | National Gallery of Iceland
Ólöf Nordal b. 1961, White Ravens 1996, LÍ-7353/353
May 10, 2025 I The House of Collections I 2-4 pm
Krummi Kids’ Club
Art Workshop: The Flying Bird
We warmly invite you to a fun and creative art workshop with the Krummi Kids’ Club, taking place this Saturday from 2–4 pm at the House of Collections on Hverfisgata.
We’ll explore fascinating birds featured in the exhibition Resistance—from white ravens and iconic loons to long-necked swans—then paint our own beautiful birds to carry us into summer.
Instructor: Ragnheiður Gestsdóttir, visual artist
Free for the whole family!
Facebook event: (20+) Krakkaklúbburinn Krummi: Fuglinn fljúgandi | Facebook
Kummi's Kids Club: For children of all ages | National Gallery of Iceland
Orla Valdemar Borch (earlier attributed to Jóhannes Kjarval), Lumpfish, no date, LÍ-ÞGIG 2
May 11, 2025 I National Gallery of Iceland I 2 pm
Curator-led Tour in Icelandic
The Mystery of the Lumpfish and Other Stories of Fakes and Forgeries
Join us for a special guided tour at the National Gallery of Iceland this Sunday at 2 pm. Curator Dagný Heiðdal and conservator Ólafur Ingi Jónsson will welcome visitors and lead a tour of the exhibition The Mystery of the Lumpfish and Other Stories of Fakes and Forgeries.
Among the museum’s collection are a handful of forged artworks that have entered the institution in various ways. In recent months, the museum’s staff has been investigating these pieces, uncovering intriguing stories and surprising discoveries. The goal of the exhibition is to raise public awareness about art forgeries and the challenges they present.
Admission fee apply
Facebook event: (20+) Leiðsögn sýningarstjóra – Ráðgátan um Rauðmagann og aðrar sögur um eftirlíkingar og falsanir | Facebook
About the exhibition: The Mystery of the Lumpfish and Other Stories of Fakes and Forgeries | National Gallery of Iceland
Buy your tickets online: Plan your visit | National Gallery of Iceland
Untitled, 1969, Guðmunda Andrésdóttir, 1922-2002, LÍ-5632
The National Gallery of Iceland invites applications for grants from the Guðmunda Andrésdóttir Artist Fund.
According to the fund’s charter, its purpose is “to support and encourage young and promising visual artists in their studies.” Applicants must have completed a BA degree in visual arts or an equivalent qualification. The grant is intended for extended or shorter periods of study abroad, with a minimum duration of six months.
More: Guðmunda Andrésdóttir Artist Grant | National Gallery of Iceland
Thermo Bottle decorated with art work by Solon Islandus
National Gallery of Iceland Museum Shop – 2025
Unique Gifts at the National Gallery’s Museum Store
The Museum Shop at the National Gallery of Iceland is filled with high-quality, carefully curated gift items. Visitors can browse a wide selection of exciting products in the online store, including books, greeting cards, jewelry, posters, and more.
Among the treasures in our museum shop is this 1000 ml bottle, which keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, decorated with artwork by Sólon Íslandus.
Sölvi Helgason (1820–1895), also known as Sólon Íslandus, lived during a time of strict societal constraints in Iceland. Defying these rules, he traveled across the country as a self-taught artist.
Sölvi’s artworks, distinguished by their intricate floral patterns, were frequently small in scale due to the scarcity of paper.
Today, Sölvi’s creations are a cherished part of Icelandic art history and cultural heritage.
More: Solon Islandus - Flaska / Thermo Bottle – Listasafn Íslands
From a kids course a the National Gallery
Summer Courses – June & August 2025
The Magic Workshop
Creative Art courses for Kids – Now Open for Registration!
The National Gallery of Iceland invites 7-9 years old (born 2016-2018) children to take part in engaging and inspiring summer workshops!
Held in the Workshop at the National Gallery by the pond, these courses are designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Inspired by the museum’s exhibitions, participants will explore artworks up close, develop their sense of color and form, and experiment with various artistic techniques, including painting and sculpture.
The goal is to help children engage with visual art with confidence and curiosity through hands-on activities, discussions, and immersive experiences. At the end of each workshop, a special exhibition will be held where family and friends can admire the children’s creations.
Join us for a magical summer of creativity and exploration!
Info and registration: Courses for kids | National Gallery of Iceland
Engaging and inspiring summer workshops for kids at the National Gallery of Iceland!