Iceland's Art World — Schools, Galleries, Associations & Inspiration

Iceland — A Small Country with a Big Art Scene

Iceland is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, but the country also has a rich and vibrant artistic tradition. From Jóhannes S. Kjarval to the contemporary work of Ragnar Kjartansson — Icelandic artists have carved out a place for themselves on the international stage. And behind every artist are the schools, museums, associations, and suppliers that make art creation possible.

This article is a comprehensive guide to Iceland's art world — and how Föndurlist supports Icelandic artists with quality supplies and special orders of international art materials.

🎓 Art Schools in Iceland

Iceland University of the Arts (LHÍ)

The Iceland University of the Arts is the only university in Iceland specialising in the arts. Founded in 1998, it brings together fine art, design, music, theatre, film, and architecture.

• Departments: Fine Art, Design, Music, Theatre, Film, Architecture, Art Education
• Degrees: BA (180 ECTS) and MA (120 ECTS)
• International: Active network of partnerships with art universities across the Nordic countries and beyond

The Reykjavík School of Visual Arts (MÍR)

Myndlistaskólinn is an independent art school run by artists and designers. It offers:

• Full-time programme — accredited at upper secondary level
• Open art classes — drawing, oil painting, watercolour, photography, ceramics, textiles
• Children's classes — in partnership with the City of Reykjavík

🏛️ Museums & Institutions

The National Gallery of Iceland

Listasafn Íslands is the national gallery of art, founded in 1884. The museum collects and exhibits Icelandic and international art from the 19th century to the present day.

• Location: Fríkirkjuvegur 7, by Tjörnin lake
• The Safnahúsið: Hverfisgata — interactive exhibitions

Reykjavík Art Museum

Listasafn Reykjavíkur is the largest art museum in the country, operated by the City of Reykjavík. Three venues:

🖼️ Private Galleries

Gallery	Description	Website
i8 Gallery	Founded 1995 — Olafur Eliasson, Ragnar Kjartansson	i8.is
Kling og Bang	Artist-run gallery in Marshall House	klingogbang
Þula	Merged with Hverfisgallerí — Marshall House	—
Nýlistasafnið (NÝLÓ)	Independent, artist-run museum — experimental art	nylo.is

Marshall House (Marshallhúsið) is a cultural centre in Grandi that is home to Kling og Bang, NÝLÓ, i8 Grandi, and Þula — a true hub of Reykjavík's art scene.

🤝 Art Associations & Organisations

SÍM — The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists

SÍM is the largest trade union and advocacy organisation for visual artists in Iceland, founded in 1982. Around 970 active members.

• Studios: ~230 rental studios in the greater Reykjavík area
• Residency: International artist-in-residence programme — 150+ artists annually
• SÍM Gallery: Exhibition space and the Hlöðuloft project space
• Artótek: Art lending library

The Watercolour Society of Iceland

Vatnslitafélag Íslands is an independent society dedicated to watercolour painting and the watercolour medium. The society works to:

• Raise the profile of watercolour painting in Iceland
• Foster collaboration among members
• Organise exhibitions and events
• Aurora Watercolour Festival — an international watercolour festival in Akureyri, September 2026

🛒 Föndurlist — Supporting Icelandic Artists

Föndurlist is an Icelandic online shop and special-order service specialising in quality art supplies. We offer:

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