Perlan – the Pearl – is an immersive museum that showcases Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes and nature in an accessible and engaging way. Its impressive hands-on, interactive exhibits and shows explain the country’s landforms, geology and wildlife. State-of-the-art technology elevates Perlan from an ordinary museum to one that guests will find innovative and memorable.

Alongside a fascinating display that focuses on the characteristics of Iceland’s changing glaciers, visitors can step into a hundred-metre-long artificial ice cave. An estimated 350 tons of snow gathered from Icelandic mountains were used in its construction. In graphic contrast, the museum’s Forces of Nature exhibit addresses the country’s volcanic systems and geothermal activity.

Styrmir, the museum’s spectacular indoor geyser, shoots a jet of water 25 metres into the air through the central atrium.

In Perlan’s domed 150-seat planetarium, the spotlight turns to the Aurora Borealis. Utilising 8K projection and 7.1 surround sound, the breathtaking Áróra show takes guests on a spellbinding journey through the origins and legends associated with the Northern Lights, bringing it vividly – and reliably – to life.

Perlan’s striking architecture adds an extra dimension to a visit. Located on Öskjuhlíð, the tallest hill in Reykjavik, it’s an easily recognised landmark, comprising six water tanks that support a glass dome which floods the interior with light. The museum’s wraparound observation deck offers an uninterrupted 360° panorama of the Icelandic capital and its surroundings.

Perlan represents Iceland in a nutshell. As such, it makes an ideal first or last stop on every tourist’s itinerary, whether they plan to venture beyond Reykjavik or choose to remain in the capital.

Highlights of Perlan

• Áróra at Perlan’s planetarium boasting 8K projection and surround sound
• Walk-through real ice cave, 100 metres long
• Interactive exhibits covering themes such as glaciation and oceans
• Immersive Volcano show
• Replica of Látrabjarg Cliff standing 10 metres high with lifelike birds
• 360° observation deck overlooking Reykjavik and beyond
• Gift shop, restaurant, café and ice cream parlour

Good to know

• Perlan is wheelchair-accessible
• Book tickets online at www.perlan.is
• Walkable from downtown Reykjavik in about 30 minutes
• City buses #13 and #18 stop close by; ample free parking is available for those with their own vehicle
   

 

 

 

 

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