8/4/15 Reykjavik, Iceland

Asmundarsafn

We walked to the Reykjavik Art Museum - Asmundarsafn.  Ásmundar Sveinssonar (1893-1982) is Iceland's most famous sculpture. His art is modern and he created huge sculptures 23 of which are in the sculpture garden surrounding the museum. The museum itself was his home and studio and contains smaller sculptures in various mediums, some being models for the large ones outside.

Reykjavik 871 +/- 2 The Settlement Exhibition

This exhibit is below ground and consists of archaeological remains which were excavated in 2001. They are the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavik and include fragments from before 871 AD. There was also a longhouse from the 10th century was discovered. They had been buried in volcanic ash.


There was a special exhibition of the Settlement Sagas. These ancient manuscripts are usually kept under lock and key at The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Four important sagas are: Landnamabok - story of the founding of Iceland and early settlers; Islendingabok - history from 900-1132. Creation of government and adoption of Christianity; Kjalnsugasaga - saga of Reykjavik 15 century; Jonsbok - law code; and Kaupbref - 1615 deed and story of Reykjavik.

Next we saw the Hallgrimskirkja which is a large parish Lutheran church; Lutheran is the Church of Iceland.  It was built from 1945-1986 and is 244 ft. tall - the 6th tallest architectural structure in Iceland. It is Expressionist Scandinavian. It has a huge organ built in 1982 that includes 4 manuals, pedals, 102 ranks, 72 stops and 5275 pipes. Concerts are often held here. Named after Hallgrimur Petursson (1614-1674) poet, author and clergy who wrote "Passion Hymns".

Out front is a statue of Leif Eriksson given by the US in 1930 during the Millennial Festival honoring 1000 years of Iceland parliament at Thingvellir in 930 AD.

We then went across the street and visited the Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden featuring impressionist and avaunt guard sculptures. He was Iceland's first sculptor.

This evening we ate at Sjavargrillid. Diane had Sashimi and scallops, Bill cod.