Reykjavík Museum of Photography is the only independent museum of photography in Iceland.  The museum is located on the sixth floor of Grófarhús.(see map) Founded as a private enterprise in 1981, the museum has been run by the City of Reykjavík since 1987. The purpose of the museum is to collect, catalogue and preserve photographic material, i.e. photographs, glass plates, negatives and slides, and articles and documents relating to photography.

The Museum's aim is to establish itself as a museum of photography in an international context and to awaken the interest of the public and of experts in photography and photographic culture.  The objective of the museum is to improve understanding of photography, its cultural role and its value both as a historic resource and as art. 

The Museum carries out research and promotes study of photography in all fields, such as conservation, the history of photography and art history. It provides scholars and professionals with facilities for a wide variety of study in photography. The museum also offers museum visits and instruction for all educational levels.

The Museum of Photography has the task of recording the contemporary history of Reykjavík on film, and systematically acquiring photographs on the history of the city. The museum has its own studio which processes photographs for the museum and for outside clients.(see pricelist) The museum provides guidance and service to the public, businesses and public agencies in the field of photography.

The museum holds a number of photographic exhibitions each year, both individually and in collaboration with other bodies. The museum has three fixed exhibition periods each year in the exhibition room on the 6th floor of Grófarhús: in February, during the summer, and in November.

The Museum of Photography stores its photographic material in tailor-made storage facilities, designed in accord with the strictest standards of conservation. The museum also has its own specialised conservation workshop.  

Staff

María Karen Sigurðardóttir, Museum Director. maria.karen.sigurdardottir@reykjavik.is Kristín Hauksdóttir, Head of Collection. kristin.hauksdottir@reykjavik.is Gísli Helgason, Head of Research and Documentation. gisli.helgason@reykjavik.is Jóhanna Guðrún Árnadóttir, Head of Exhibitions and Education. johanna.gudrun.arnadottir@reykjavik.is Sigríður Kristín Birnudóttir, Head of Photo-processing. sigridur.kristin.birnudottir@reykjavik.is