Árbæjarsafn (Árbaer Open Air Museum) | Reykjavik

Árbæjarsafn, also known as the Árbær Open Air Museum, is a fascinating historical museum located in the Árbær district of Reykjavik, Iceland. It offers visitors a glimpse into Icelandic life from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The museum consists of a collection of historical buildings that have been relocated to the site, offering a unique opportunity to experience Icelandic history, architecture, and culture in a traditional, immersive setting.

History and Purpose

Founding: The Árbæjarsafn museum was founded in 1957 and is operated by the Reykjavik City Museum. Its primary goal is to preserve Icelandic history and cultural heritage, focusing particularly on the rural and urban development of Reykjavik. The museum allows visitors to explore how Icelanders lived in the past, showcasing both rural and urban life.

Development: The museum’s collection of buildings was gathered from various parts of Reykjavik and beyond, with several buildings dating back to the 19th century. These buildings were carefully moved to the museum site to preserve their historical and cultural value. Today, the museum stands as one of the most popular historical attractions in Reykjavik.

Museum Layout and Features

The Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum is divided into several sections, with exhibits covering traditional Icelandic life, crafts, and the evolution of Reykjavik from a small village to a modern city.

1. Historical Buildings

• Traditional Icelandic Homes: The museum is home to a variety of historical buildings, including farmhouses, churches, and shops. These buildings reflect the simple and functional architecture of the past, designed to withstand Iceland's harsh climate.
  • Árbær Farmhouse: The central feature of the museum is the Árbær farmhouse, a traditional Icelandic house built around 1840. This house is a good representation of rural life in the 19th century and contains period furniture, textiles, and household items.
  • Other Historic Houses: The museum includes several smaller houses that illustrate the development of domestic life in Reykjavik, such as a seamstress’s house, a schoolhouse, and a shop. Each of these buildings is furnished with authentic items from their respective periods, showcasing the daily lives of Icelanders during different periods of history.

2. Themed Exhibits

Farming Life: A key component of the museum is its depiction of traditional Icelandic farming life. Several buildings house displays of farming tools, equipment, and other artifacts that show how Icelanders used to work the land and raise livestock, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Icelandic Crafts: The museum also highlights traditional Icelandic crafts and industries, such as wool-spinning and weaving. Visitors can see demonstrations of these crafts and learn about the importance of these skills in daily life and Iceland's economy.

Children’s Exhibit: For families, the museum offers interactive exhibits aimed at children, giving them the chance to experience what life was like for young people in Iceland in the past.

3. Farm Animals

• Traditional Icelandic Animals: The Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum also has farm animals on site, including Icelandic sheep, ponies, and chickens. These animals help bring the farming history of Iceland to life, offering a hands-on experience for visitors, especially children, to learn about the animals that have played an important role in Icelandic agriculture.

4. Workshops and Demonstrations

Workshops: Throughout the year, the museum hosts workshops where visitors can learn about traditional Icelandic crafts, including knitting, weaving, and woodworking. These workshops offer practical insight into Icelandic cultural practices and provide visitors the chance to try their hand at these crafts.

Seasonal Demonstrations: During the summer months, visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional practices such as wool spinning, blacksmithing, and baking traditional Icelandic bread in an old-fashioned oven.

5. Museum Café and Shop

Café: The museum features a quaint café where visitors can sample traditional Icelandic foods, such as skyr, lamb stew, and freshly baked bread. It offers a cozy space to relax and reflect on the exhibits.

Gift Shop: The museum also has a gift shop that sells locally made crafts, books, and souvenirs, many of which reflect the traditional Icelandic lifestyle.

Special Events and Programs

Árbæjarsafn hosts a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year. These may include:

• Christmas Events: During the holiday season, the museum holds special events that celebrate Icelandic Christmas traditions. Visitors can experience a traditional Icelandic Christmas at the museum, with festive decorations, folk music, and seasonal foods.
• Cultural Festivals: The museum participates in Reykjavik’s cultural festivals, such as Icelandic National Day (June 17), by hosting performances, exhibitions, and community events that focus on Icelandic heritage and culture.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The museum is particularly well-suited for families, as it offers hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that children can enjoy, such as playing with traditional toys or exploring the farm animals.

Location and Accessibility

Location: The Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum is located in the Árbær district of Reykjavik, which is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. The museum is situated in a peaceful area that offers a glimpse into Reykjavik’s past while being close to the bustling city center.

Transportation: Visitors can easily reach the museum by car or public transportation. The museum is accessible to people with disabilities, with ramps and other facilities available to make the site more inclusive.

Conclusion

Árbæjarsafn (Árbær Open Air Museum) is an exceptional place to explore Iceland's cultural and historical heritage. The museum’s blend of traditional architecture, farming history, and cultural exhibits provides a detailed look at how Icelanders lived and worked in the past. Whether you're interested in the country’s rural traditions, historical architecture, or Icelandic crafts, Árbæjarsafn offers a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It is a perfect destination for those looking to learn about Icelandic history in an immersive, hands-on way.