MAIN Travel Tourist Attractions Iceland Art & Crafts

Iceland's arts and crafts are proof of the theory that the colder the climate, the more creative the people. While hand knit woolens are one of the most familiar products that people bring back from a visit to Iceland, vibrant works of art can be found from a wide range of materials. There are artists who specialize in drawing beauty from lava rocks, glass, clay, fish skin, wood and even silk.

Artist's workhops and studios - most open to visitors and shoppers -- are found in the cities and towns of Iceland. Driftwood pieces and ceramics mix with framed paintings and scultpure. Some are small visual works and others capture and form the wildness of nature into pieces of furniture that are definitely one of a kind creations. Fashion is an art form in Iceland and while window shopping it is hard not to be drawn into the stores.

Many artists have formed co-op groups where they take turns working and the decor is a collection of everyone's creativity. A visit to these shops may find a resident artist or crafter at work while others mingle. One example is Listaselið (Skólavörðustígur 101, Tel: +354 551 5675), an art gallery on the main shopping street in Reykjavik run by six women artists who each create works with different materials. They are glad to talk about their work and help you select a piece or two to take home.

While prices in Iceland are not low, the cost of the works for sale are actually quite reasonable. We found that the cost was lower than we'd expected - definitely not as high as New York or Paris and of comparable quality. If you do make a purchase be sure to ask about a VAT refund which can mean a 15% discount for the tourist who shops in Iceland.

Crafts and Design - The home site of a project established in 1994 by the Icelandic Prime Ministry to support Icelandic crafts showcases the variety of artistic expression in Iceland. Links to exhibitions, museums and craftspeople includes plenty of pictures.

The National Gallery of Iceland - The home of Icelandic art is open daily from 11AM - 5 PM and closed on Monday. Admission is free and the ongoing and special exhibitions are a must see if you plan a trip to Iceland.

The Einar Jónsson Museum - Listasafn Einars Jónssonar - Iceland's oldest art museum showcases close to 300 sculptures, paintings and drawings of Einar Jónsson, Iceland´s first internationally renowned sculptor. His folk scultpure is powerful. His abstract pieces capture movement in stone. Check for hours and admission prices. The sculpture garden adjoining the museum is always open and admission is free.

Hafnarfjörður Museum - This town is about 15 minutes from Reykjavik. The museum offers the history of Hafnarfjörður, a children’s exhibition of toys, and an exhibition of photographs. Try to get to see the two houses on display - Sívertsen House and Sigga’s House to see how the upper class and working class lived around 1900.

The Álafoss Factory Outlet - A visit to the Álafoss factory outlet and art gallery is a must for anyone interested in Icelandic crafts. Word is that they have the best prices on woolens if you're looking to bring home a blanket or gloves and there is also a great selection of artistic crafts on view in the gallery.

Þjóðbúningaráð, National Costume Board of Iceland - While the national costume of Iceland may not technically be an art object, the National Museum has a fine collection of traditional clothing. This site has good descriptions, plus pictures and other interesting facts on the traditional dress of the Islanders.

Shopping in Iceland - Ultra Hip and Unexpected - This piece from the IcelandicTourist Board focuses on shopping, but does a good job of covering the best places in and around Reykjavik to pick up bargains or shop for fashion and art pieces.