The Einar Jónsson Museum’s solid early 20th-century facade anchors the block on which it sits. Out back, a sculpture garden stretches away from the building, lined with bronze figures – some tucked into corners, others standing out in the open. A side gate, almost always open, lets you wander through at any hour, and it’s not unusual to spot a few cats weaving between the pedestals.
Inside, the museum covers several floors. The main galleries display Jónsson’s sculptures – plaster casts, finished bronzes, and a handful of works in progress. Each room keeps a straightforward layout, with wide walkways and plenty of space to move around the pieces. The collection leans heavily into myth and allegory, and most details about the works are easier to find online than on the gallery walls.
The top floor is set aside as the apartment where Jónsson and his wife lived. The rooms remain as they were, with original furniture and personal touches left in place. From these windows, you get a clear view over the city and a direct line to Hallgrímskirkja next door – a detail that’s easy to miss unless you know to look for it.
Jónsson designed the building himself, finishing it in 1923. The structure has a sturdy, almost fortress-like feel, but the interior stays quiet and open. The museum keeps regular hours, while the garden remains accessible around the clock. Most people arrive on foot, since it’s only a few minutes from the center, and the whole setup feels a step removed from the city’s main rush. The garden also gives a good angle for photos of the church, especially as the light shifts in the evening.
Einar Jónsson Museum
