Icelandic Phallological Museum | Reykjavik

Information

Landmark: Icelandic Phallological Museum
City: Reykjavik
Country: Iceland
Continent: Europe

Icelandic Phallological Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland, Europe

The Icelandic Phallological Museum is a specialized institution dedicated to the study and exhibition of phallic specimens from various mammals. It is located at Laugavegur 116 in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Visual Characteristics

The museum's collection comprises over 280 biological specimens, including penises and penile parts from 93 different animal species. Exhibits are displayed in glass cases, with specimens preserved in formaldehyde, dried, or presented as skeletal structures. The collection includes examples ranging from a whale's 170 cm long penis to a hamster's 2 mm baculum, alongside folk art and phallic-themed artifacts.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated on Laugavegur 116, a primary shopping street in central Reykjavik. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers northeast of the city center's main square, Ingólfstorg. Public parking is available in nearby paid parking garages or street parking zones. Several bus lines, including routes 1, 3, 5, and 14, have stops within a 200-meter radius of the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum was founded in 1997 by Sigurður Hjartarson, a former teacher and headmaster. Its original purpose was to systematically collect and display phallic specimens from all land and sea mammals found in Iceland, expanding to include specimens from outside the country.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the extensive collection of mammalian phallic specimens, including those from whales, seals, and land mammals. The museum offers educational displays detailing the biology and cultural significance of the exhibits. A dedicated section showcases the ongoing quest for a legally donated human penis specimen.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The museum provides public restrooms on-site. Seating areas are available within the exhibition spaces. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the building. A gift shop is located at the exit, offering themed souvenirs. Numerous cafes and restaurants are situated along Laugavegur within a 100-meter radius.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is typically less crowded during weekday mornings, shortly after opening, or in the late afternoon. Visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October can also result in fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months. As an indoor attraction, weather conditions primarily affect travel to the location rather than the visit itself.

Facts & Legends

The museum's collection includes a legally donated human penis, acquired in 2011 from a 95-year-old Icelandic man. This specimen is preserved in formaldehyde and displayed in a dedicated case, fulfilling a long-standing goal of the institution.