The Art World of Iceland — Schools, Galleries, Associations & Inspiration
Iceland — A Small Country with a Grand Art Tradition
Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, but the country also boasts a rich and vibrant artistic heritage. From the iconic paintings of Jóhannes S. Kjarval to the contemporary installations of Ragnar Kjartansson and Olafur Eliasson — Icelandic artists have carved out a significant place on the international stage.
This article is a comprehensive guide to Iceland's art ecosystem — and how Föndurlist supports Icelandic artists with premium art supplies and special orders from leading international manufacturers.
🎓 Art Schools in Iceland
Iceland University of the Arts (LHÍ)
The Iceland University of the Arts is the country's sole institution of higher education dedicated to the arts. Founded in 1998, it offers BA and MA degrees across seven departments:
- Fine Arts
- Design
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Film
- Architecture
- Art Education
Reykjavík School of Visual Arts (MÍR)
The Reykjavík School of Visual Arts is an independent, non-profit school run by artists and designers. It offers:
- Day school programs — accredited at secondary level
- Open art courses — drawing, painting, watercolor, photography, ceramics, textiles
- Children's education — in partnership with the City of Reykjavík
🏛️ Museums & Institutions
National Gallery of Iceland
The National Gallery of Iceland, founded in 1884, is the country's primary institution for Icelandic and international art. Located by Tjörnin pond in central Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Art Museum
The Reykjavík Art Museum is the largest visual art institution in Iceland, operating across three venues:
Hafnarhús
Contemporary art hub by the old harbor. Houses the permanent Erró collection.
Kjarvalsstaðir
Dedicated to painter Jóhannes S. Kjarval and 20th-century modernism. In Klambratún park.
Ásmundarsafn
The home and studio of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson, featuring a sculpture garden.
🖼️ Private Galleries
| Gallery | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| i8 Gallery | Est. 1995 — Represents Olafur Eliasson, Ragnar Kjartansson | i8.is |
| Kling og Bang | Artist-run gallery in Marshall House | klingogbang |
| Þula | Merged with Hverfisgallerí — Marshall House | — |
| The Living Art Museum (NÝLÓ) | Independent, artist-run — experimental art | nylo.is |
The Marshall House in Reykjavík's Grandi harbor district is a cultural powerhouse housing Kling og Bang, NÝLÓ, i8 Grandi, and Þula — a must-visit for any art lover.
🤝 Art Associations
SÍM — Association of Icelandic Visual Artists
SÍM, founded in 1982, is Iceland's largest professional association for visual artists with ~970 members. It provides:
- Studio spaces: ~230 rental studios in the capital area
- International Residency: Hosts 150+ artists annually
- SÍM Gallery and Hlöðuloft exhibition space
- Artótek: Art rental service
The Icelandic Watercolour Society (Vatnslitafélag Íslands)
The Icelandic Watercolour Society promotes watercolor painting in Iceland and fosters collaboration among its members. Highlights include:
- Regular exhibitions and events
- Member portfolio showcases
- Aurora Watercolour Festival — an international watercolor festival in Akureyri, September 2026
🛒 Föndurlist — Supporting Icelandic Artists
Föndurlist is an Icelandic online art supply store specializing in premium materials. We offer:
🎨 In Stock
Watercolors (White Nights, Roman Szmal), acrylics (Liquitex, Amsterdam), brushes, canvas, drawing supplies
📦 Special Orders
50,000+ products from Daniel Smith, Golden, Gamblin, Holbein, Copic, Sakura, Princeton and more
📚 Education
Articles, tutorials and product reviews on our blog
🚚 Delivery
Nationwide delivery across Iceland
🛒 Browse our catalog 🌐 www.fondurlist.is
Föndurlist is a proud supporter of Icelandic art. We believe that access to quality materials is the key to exceptional creative work.