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Tuesday Lecture: Loyal dogs and clever cats. Are pets animals? [Icelandic]

At lunchtime on most Tuesdays, the National Museum of Iceland hosts a variety of events, including film screenings, guided tours and lectures.

Gunnar Theodór is a writer with a PhD in literary studies, but above all, he is a great animal lover. He has explored animals in both fiction and academic research. His works include the children’s book Steindýrin (2008) and the novel Sláturtíð (2018), as well as his doctoral dissertation, in which Gunnar examined representations of animals in culture and the arts and how our ideas about other animals can shape our ethical relationship with them.

To mark the exhibition Like Cats and Dogs, Gunnar Theodór will give a short talk about dogs and cats in Icelandic storytelling traditions and culture. He will also discuss pet ownership within the broader context of human–animal coexistence in urban society.

The lecture is in Icelandic.

The lecture is included with museum admission. Please note that your admission ticket also serves as an annual pass, giving you unlimited access to the museum's exhibitions and events for one year from the date of purchase. Admission to all exhibitions and events is free for children and young people under 18 years of age.‍

Welcome to a guided tour of the exhibition Valgerður with art theorist Aðalheiður Lilja Guðmundsdóttir, Wednesday 30th of September at 12:15. Aðalheiður wrote about Valgerður Briem’s influential career as an art teacher in the book Myndvit: The Legacy of Valgerður Briem, which was published alongside the exhibition.

Admission is free and everybody welcome!

Aðalheiður Lilja Guðmundsdóttir (b. 1968) is an independent researcher and writer in the field of art theory, philosophy and fine art. In the years 2010–2021, she worked as a lecturer and head of art theory and art history studies at the Fine Arts Department of the Iceland University of the Arts, where she is still teaching art theory courses as well as at the University of Iceland. She has carried out various projects in the fields of art theory and fine art, including research, writing and exhibition making. Her research is in the field of contemporary art, artists’ books and gender studies in the arts. From the year 2024, she is on the board of the Icelandic Art Center. Aðalheiður Lilja studied philosophy at the University of Iceland and philosophy of art at the University of Paris 1, Panthéon-Sorbonne.

More about the exhibition:

Valgerður Briem (1914–2002) was an artist, teacher and pioneer in the field of art education. Her life’s work developed through the interplay between her own artistic practice and her teaching, with form, colour, material and visual thinking at its core. Valgerður first exhibited publicly as an artist at the Autumn Exhibition of the Association of Icelandic Artists in 1980, at the age of sixty-six. Behind that moment lay decades of sustained work: drawings, watercolours, wax works, sketches, lettering and patterns. When Valgerður’s family donated approximately 1,640 works on paper to Gerðarsafn in 2006, the true scope of her life’s work became fully visible for the first time.

Gerðarsafn received a two-year research grant from the Icelandic Museum Fund to undertake the first comprehensive study of Valgerður Briem’s life and work, lead by Cecilie Gaihede. The project combines art-historical research into her artistic practice with its presentation through an exhibition and publication, Myndvit - The Legacy of Valgerður comprised of scholarly essays addressing Valgerður’s art, teaching and approach.

GH Gypsy Trio featuring Paulus Schäfer

Join us for an unforgettable night of gypsy jazz! The concert features the Gunnar Hilmarsson Gypsy Jazz Trio, a leading figure in the Icelandic gypsy jazz scene . This time, they are joined by a truly phenomenal guest: Paulus Schafer, one of the world's leading gypsy jazz guitarists today. Schafer has shared the stage with icons like Stochelo Rosenberg, Bireli Lagrene, Peter Beets, Jan Akkerman, Antoine Boyer, and Martin Taylor. To make the night even more special, the renowned violinist Dan Cassidy will appear as a special guest.

Paulus Schäfer, guitar

Gunnar Hilmarsson, guitar

Jóhann Guðmundsson, guitar

Leifur Gunnarsson, bass

Dan Cassidy, violin

The concert starts at 20 @ Björtuloft, Harpa Concert House. Tickets ISK 5200.

Sinfóníuhljómsveitin opnar dyrnar að lokaæfingum á tónleikadegi fyrir flesta áskriftartónleika í gulri, rauðri og grænni tónleikaröð. Hægt er að kaupa aðgang að æfingunum í miðasölu Hörpu og á sinfonia.is. Lokaæfingin hefst kl. 10:00 en aðgangur er takmarkaður við ákveðin sæti í Eldborg á 1. svölum. Þetta er tilvalið tækifæri til að dýpka upplifun og skilning á tónlistinni sem flutt verður á tónleikum um kvöldið.

Tekið skal fram að æfingarnar eru ekki tónleikar, heldur vinnuæfingar og dagskrá þeirra því ekki endilega í fullu samræmi við tónleika kvöldsins.

A relaxed, welcoming art gathering for immigrant families and anyone seeking connection and community. Join to paint, weave, sing, play or simply be.

• Gerðuberg City Library

• Every thursday, from October 1st to December 3rd, 14:00 - 16:00

• Free, no prior art experience needed

• Everyone is welcome, especially children and young people.

• Free coffee and refreshments.

The event is organised by Geta Samtök.

Handicrafts & Book Chat

Do you love knitting or crocheting as well as reading and chatting about good books? Then these meetups are something for you.

We will meet on Thursdays between 3 pm and 5 pm in the Handicraft Corner on the 2nd floor in Grófin.

It’s nice to combine those two interests and even better to connect with others who share the same passion.

Guðrún Dís, amateur knitter, takes care of the meetups, shows up with some interesting books and leads the discussion.

This is not a traditional reading club because you don’t have to read specific books before each meeting. Just show up and take part!

The meetups can be in Icelandic and/or English, depending on the group.

No registration needed, just pop in when you are in the mood for good company.

Further information:

Guðrún Dís Jónatansdóttir

[email protected] | 411 6115

Canadian cellist Bryan Cheng, who has had a meteoric rise to stardom, plays Robert Schumann's intimate and poetic Cello Concerto. Despite the initial mixed reception, the concerto has established itself as one of the best-known cello concertos of the Romantic period. The music of French composer Charlotte Sohy has received increased attention in recent years. The Symphony in C-sharp minor is a woman's moving description of a war where there is little emphasis on heroism and more on fear and uncertainty. The concert also features a short, sunny overture by Lili Boulanger that captures the spring mood in Paris as nature awakens from its winter slumber. Finally, Beethoven's powerful Third Leonora Overture will be played, which is popular as an independent orchestral work. Conducting the concert is the young conductor, Bar Avni, who was the winner of the La Maestra Conducting Competition in 2024 and her career has been on a rapid rise in recent years.

Program

Lili Boulanger: D'un matin de printemps / Of a Spring Morning

Robert Schumann :Cello Concerto

Charlotte Sohy: Symphony in C sharp minor "Grand Guerre"

Ludwig van Beethoven: Leonora Overture No. 3

Conductor

Bar Avni

Soloist

Bryan Cheng

Stories of the Heart is a 70-minute solo concert experience with Thor Breidfjord, alone on stage with voice, piano and guitar.

On this intimate evening, Thor presents brand-new songs in English and Icelandic, woven together with personal storytelling. Narration is in Icelandic. The concert draws on the people, places and moments that have shaped him, from childhood in the north and family roots among the islands of Breiðafjörður to theatre, music, love, memory, loss and the strange little sparks that become songs.

Known for his international musical theatre career, Thor now places the singer-songwriter at the centre. These concerts continue the journey begun with his ECMA-nominated album Running Naked.

No band. No grand spectacle. Just the performer, his instruments and the stories that still beat under the songs.

You are warmly invited to the opening of the exhibitions Veil by Sigurður Guðjónsson and Kjarval in the East at the National Gallery of Iceland on Friday, 2 October.

Veil (2012) by Sigurður Guðjónsson is a continuous 60-minute video recording, an entrancing study of grains of sand drifting across the black expanses of Skeiðarársandur. The currents of sand move ceaselessly across the undulating landscape like a delicate weave, at once soothing and seemingly endless. The artist intends the work to create a contemplative space in which viewers can switch off their conscious minds and allow their thoughts to wander.

Hula will be presented on a larger scale than before. The work was acquired by the museum in 2015.

Curator: Pari Stave

Kjarval in the East is an exhibition of landscapes and portraits from East Iceland by Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885–1972). Borgarfjörður Eystri was Kjarval’s childhood home, and he returned there frequently throughout his adult life, drawing inspiration for his work from the majestic landscapes of the region. The works in the exhibition, most of which are from the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland, span the period from 1919 to 1960 and include oil paintings, watercolours, prints, and ink drawings.

Kjarval’s imagination was shaped during his formative years in Borgarfjörður Eystri, and it is clear that the landscape and culture of East Iceland played a significant role in the development of his distinctive artistic vision.

The portraits demonstrate exceptional skill in drawing, as well as a profound insight, sensitivity, and care for their subjects. Often depicting weather-beaten faces shaped by the hardships of life, these works capture the relationship between people and nature in a uniquely powerful way. Icelandic working people had never before been portrayed in this manner, and Kjarval’s portraits ultimately succeeded in capturing the spirit and heart of the Icelandic nation.

Curator: Anna Jóhannsdóttir

Many Icelanders consider Iceland an ant free country. Jet some species have established themselves in parts of Iceland. This event uses ants as a model to spark curiosity, showcasing their fascinating characteristics and encouraging conversations about social insects. Kids and families can view live ants in artificial nests and discover more about these remarkable creatures.

Children and families of all age are welcome!

Free entry.

Attention: you will need to sign up as we have a maximum of 15 participants per session: [email protected]

This series of free collage workshops are an opportunity to step away from daily stress to create something with your hands while connecting to others in your community. Our host, Marie Vesela, will lead each workshop and suggest themes to work on. No prior experience is required and the workshop is open to all languages.

"Collages are amazing way to express ideas, thoughts, experiences or vision for the future. Also, engaging in creative activity can decrease anxiety and increase happiness. I believe in gentle, supportive teaching and in every workshop I guide, you’ll find nothing but of encouragement, zero judgment, and a warm space to explore your own imagination." Marie Vesela

The workshop is suitable for adults 16+, participation is free, all supplies are provided but you are encouraged to bring old magazines with you.

Further information here: https://rvkcollageclub.com/

HOW TO BECOME ICELANDIC IN 60 MINUTES

Repair Café is a monthly event where volunteers and participants get together to fix things and avoid creating more waste.

Bring an item you care about that has stopped working—clothing, electronics, a broken mug, a leaky air mattress—and enjoy free repairs, coffee and good company. We can't wait to see you!

♻️ LET'S FIX IT TOGETHER ! ♻️

PROGRAM 2026

Sunday, Mar 1st - as a part of the Future Festival

Sunday, Apr 12th

Sunday, May 3rd

Sunday, June 7th

Sunday, Sep 6th

Sunday, Oct 4th

Sunday, Nov 1st

Sunday, Dec 6th

Project by Hringrásarsetur Íslands and Munasafn RVK Tool Library.

Þráðurinn hlykkjast undir og yfir, undir og yfir og við dáleiðumst með. Vefnaðarsmiðja leiðir fjölskyldur inn í heim textílhönnunar undir leiðsögn hönnuða frá ÞYKJÓ. Við leikum okkur með fjölbreyttan efnivið og áferðir og eigum notalega samverustund á sunnudags eftirmiðdegi. Kannski endarðu með teppi fyrir lítinn bangsa, einstakt bókamerki eða hárband - við hlökkum til að sjá hvaða hugmyndir fæðast!

ÞYKJÓ er hönnunarstofa sem hefur hlotið athygli hér heima og erlendis fyrir metnaðarfull og fjölbreytt verkefni fyrir börn á sviði innsetninga, vöruhönnunar og upplifunarhönnunar. Þau eru þekkt fyrir Hljóðhimna í Hörpu, húsgögn og vöruhönnun í Menningarhúsum Kópavogs og Tulipopland leikvöllinn á Keflavíkurflugvelli. ÞYKJÓ hafa hlotið fjölda verðlauna og viðurkenninga fyrir störf sín, þeirra á meðal eru Hönnunarverðlaun Íslands 2024, YAM Awards 2023 og Svef verðlaunin 2021.

Smiðjan er hluti af viðburðarröð á vegum Menningar í Garðabæ og Hönnunarsafnsins. Fjölskyldudagskráin er fastur liður í hverjum mánuði, en efnistök og og smiðjuleiðbeinendur eru breytileg. Aðgangur er ókeypis og öllum opinn!

Jón Gnarr guides visitors through the exhibition Big Little City - Images of Reykjavík at Kjarvalsstaðir on Sunday 4 October at 14h00.

Jón Gnarr was the founder and chairman of the Best Party from 2009 to 2010, and served as Mayor of Reykjavík from 2010 to 2014.

To mark Reykjavík’s 240th anniversary in 2026, the city’s changing appearance through the ages is explored in a summer exhibition at Kjarvalsstaðir.

The exhibition presents new contemporary artworks, highlights intriguing pieces from the museum’s collection, and features fascinating objects on loan from other museums and institutions. Visitors can follow the development of Reykjavík from a trading town and fishing village into a multicultural city of culture and tourism, portrayed in a vivid, fragmented, and ever-evolving way.

The exhibition raises questions about image and identity, urban planning, social structures, and cultural self-understanding. The tangible is presented alongside the poetic, the historical and the artistic, the personal and the collective.

Museum admission applies. Free entry for Annual Pass and Culture Card holders, and free for visitors under 18 years of age.

Curator – led tour

Anna Jóhannsdóttir, curator guides guests through the exhibition Kjarval in the East.

The exhibition features landscape paintings from East Iceland by Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972), most of which are from the collection of the National Gallery of Iceland. Kjarval grew up in Borgarfjörður eystra and he often travelled there in his adult years, drawing inspiration for his works from the majestic landscape of East Iceland. The works in the exhibition span the period from 1914 to 1961, including oil paintings as well as watercolour and graphic images. Some of the works depict views of recognizable places, such as Dyrfjöll and Strandatindur in Seyðisfjörður, while others refer to popular beliefs and display the artist's imagination and experimental approach in terms of style and techniques.

The event will be held in Icelandic.

A valid museum admission ticket is required to attend the event.

tickets:

https://www.harpa.is/en/events/21823

Liam Kaplan appears in a solo recital for the first time in Iceland since joining the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in 2024. He will perform two varied and imaginative cycles by Robert Schumann along with several of his own works.

Programme

R. Schumann Fantasiestücke, Op. 12

L. Kaplan Variations on an Original Theme

intermission

L. Kaplan Valse sentimental

L. Kaplan Impromptu in F#

L. Kaplan Impromptu in Ab

R. Schumann Humoreske, Op. 20

Liam Kaplan graduated from Oberlin Conservatory after studying piano with Alvin Chow and composition with Stephen Hartke. He has been a member of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra since 2024. Liam has performed as soloist with various orchestras and received numerous awards for his work as both a pianist and a composer, including the BMI Young Composer Award in 2019. Liam is the pianist of the New Reykjavik Trio, founded in 2025. He has released several recordings, most recently the EP Sunflower Fields in 2025.

★ Forsala hefst 20. maí á póstlista Dægurflugunnar og 21. maí á póstlista TIX.

Skráning á póstlista 👉 https://tinyurl.com/Daegurflugan

★ Almenn miðasala hefst 22. maí kl 07:00

Valgeir Guðjónsson er einn ástsælasti lagahöfundur þjóðarinnar og lög hans skipta hundruðum. Landslið söngvara og hljóðfæraleikara hefur verið kallað til leiks og mun flytja sýnishorn af mörgum hans bestu og vinsælustu lögum og varpa þannig ljósi á glæsilegan og litríkan feril tónskáldsins.

Hver þekkir ekki Popplag í G-dúr, Tætum og tryllum, Stella í orlofi, Slá í gegn, Sirkus Geira smart, Bráðabirgðabúgí, Íslenskir karlmenn, Bara ég og þú, Ekki segja góða nótt, Vikivaki og fleiri og fleiri.

Fjöldinn allur af lögum Valgeirs verða flutt sem eiga eftir að lifa ódauðlegu lífi, hvort sem þau koma af lagalistum Stuðmanna, Spilverks; úr leikhúsi eða bíó. Að ekki sé minnst á lög af sólóplötum hans. Þetta er tónlist sem fylgt hefur Íslendingum í áratugi og mun.

Við heiðrum Valgeir Guðjónsson og þökkum fyrir allar þær gleðistundir sem hann hefur gefið okkur í gegnum tíðina með tónlist sinni.

Hljómsveitarstjóri:

Jón Ólafsson

Söngur:

Daníel Ágúst

Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson

Diddú

Sigurður Guðmundsson

Hildur Vala

Valdimar Guðmundsson

Kristrún & Joel

Listræn ráðgjöf:

Sigurður Bjóla

Ásta Kristrún

At lunchtime on Tuesdays, the National Museum of Iceland hosts a variety of events, including film screenings, guided tours, and lectures.

Tuesday Cinema at the National Museum is a regular feature of the museum's events program and is presented in collaboration with the Icelandic Film Archive. On the first Tuesday of every month, the two institutions present a program of notable Icelandic films in the National Museum's lecture hall.

On Tuesday, October 6, the program will spotlight the films of Ósvaldur Knudsen. The screening will feature excerpts spanning his remarkable filmmaking career. It will showcase his documentaries on Icelandic people and nature, ranging from intimate portraits of some of the nation's leading artists to dramatic footage of volcanic eruptions. Together, these films reflect both a strong sense of Icelandic cultural tradition and an innovative, forward-looking artistic vision.

Admission to the event is included with a museum ticket. Please note that a museum admission ticket also serves as a one-year pass, granting access to all of the museum's exhibitions and events for one year from the date of purchase. Admission to exhibitions and children's events is free for everyone under 18 years of age.

The Icelandic Film Archive is responsible for collecting, cataloguing, and preserving Icelandic films; overseeing the legal deposit of film materials under Icelandic deposit legislation; and presenting screenings of both Icelandic and international cinema. The Archive also maintains and restores films in its collection and provides scholars and film professionals with facilities for conducting research in film studies.

Midday Concert at Hafnarborg – Rósalind Gísladóttir with Antonía Hevesi

Tuesday October 6th at 12 p.m., we warmly welcome you to the next Midday Concert at Hafnarborg, when Rósalind Gísladóttir will be the guest of Antonía Hevesi, pianist and artistic director of the concert series.

The concert starts promptly at 12 p.m., lasting for approximately half an hour. The doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the concert is open to all, as long as seating is available. Free entry.

Please note that Rósalind Gísladóttir will step in for Martyna Gesella, who was originally scheduled to perform.

Upcoming Midday Concerts

November 3rd: Björk Níelsdóttir

December 1st: Kristín Einarsdóttir Mäntylä