Access to the Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition
Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, tel. (+354) 411-6370

The Settlement Exhibition is located underground with a ground-level entrance on the corner of Aðalstræti and Túngata. The exhibition’s focal point is the archaeological remains of a settlement-age Viking longhouse from around 930, which was excavated in 2001.

The Settlement Exhibition features an exhibition space, a museum shop, learning room facilities for school groups, bathroom facilities, a reception area with a family corner, and a children’s play area.

The exhibition is generally a quiet place to visit; however, sounds are part of the multi-media exhibition experience, and the fragrance of the sea is generated in two locations. The museum provides several benches for visitors to sit down on and rest.

Access for the disabled is good. Vehicles can stop directly outside the building to both drop visitors off and pick them up. Note that the exhibition is illuminated with low lighting, and the floor is uneven in places.

Plan your visit

Entry

The Settlement Exhibition is located on the corner of Aðalstræti and Túngata with the main entrance on Aðalstræti. Entry from Aðalstræti is the most accessible, with no steps or obstacles. From Túngata, there are two steps down onto a small square by the entrance. The automatic doors are obstacle-free (no thresholds) and operated by a push-button.

Parking

Paid parking is available by Túngata, close to the museum entrance. It’s also possible to park in the underground car park below City Hall (2 mins) and at the multi-storey car park on Vesturgata (4-5 mins). Free parking is widely available in downtown Reykjavík; however, these spots are usually further away than the paid parking spots and involve a walk to the exhibition. Parking for coaches is located outside the City Hall. A space for taxis is directly outside the museum entrance: if unoccupied, the space can be used for drop-offs and pickups. 

Public transport

Bus services stop at City Hall (2 mins) and on Lækjargata (5 mins).

Complimentary pushchair/stroller

The Settlement Exhibition offers a complimentary pushchair /stroller located by the front desk. Guests are welcome to bring their own pushchairs to the exhibition. 

Toilets

There are three toilets to the left of the reception: one is designed to accommodate wheelchairs. In the same location, you will also find lockers and coat hangers. 

Indoor picnic area

There are no dining facilities or indoor picnic areas at The Settlement Exhibition.

Guided tours

Apart from seasonal guided tours advertised at Christmas or during the summer, there are no guided tours of the museum. Audio guides are available in English, Icelandic, Norwegian, German and French. Audio guides for kids are available in English and Icelandic. 

Note!

The exhibition is dimly lit and built on interactive multi-media technology generating various sound effects (e.g. birds, sheep, hammer blows). The learning space, if available, can be used as a quiet room if necessary.

Access for people with disabilities

Blue-badge parking

There are two blue-badge parking spots close to the exhibition: Kirkjutorg (2 mins) and Austurstræti (2 mins). There are also more blue-badge parking spaces in the underground car park below City Hall, and in the multi-storey car park on Vesturgata. 

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair access is good both throughout the building and within the exhibition space. Note that the exhibition floor is uneven in places. The floor in several locations, which intersects with areas filled with loose stones and pebbles (part of the design), is bridged with even flooring. The bridges are floor level and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.

Seating

There are benches by the front desk, stools at the computer desk, chairs in the family corner and several benches in and around the exhibition space.

Lift

The lift is located directly opposite the entrance.

Autism & Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory stimuli

The museum’s main exhibition space, which features multi-media technology, generating sounds and smells, may affect those with sensory processing difficulties. Note that the exhibition is illuminated with low lighting, and the floor is uneven in places.

In several places, the floor, which intersects with areas filled with loose stones and pebbles, is bridged with even flooring.

As part of the exhibition’s multi-sensory experience, the fragrance of the sea is generated in two locations. Reykjavík City Museum regularly advertises special opening hours where sensory stimuli, such as sound and light, are specifically set with the needs of the group in mind.

For further information, please contact 411-6300 or send an email to borgarsogusafn@reykjavik.is.

Blind and visually impaired

Guided tours

Reykjavík City Museum is one museum in five locations (Árbær Open Air Museum, The Settlement Exhibition, Museum of Photography, Maritime Museum and Viðey Island) offering regular guided tours for the blind and visually impaired. Tour timetables are advertised in advance.

For further information, please contact 411-6370 or send an email to borgarsogusafn@reykjavik.is.

Guide dogs

Guide dogs are welcome at the museum.

Deaf and hard of hearing

Guided tours

Reykjavík City Museum is one museum in five locations (Árbær Open Air Museum, The Settlement Exhibition, Museum of Photography, Maritime Museum and Viðey Island) offering regular guided tours in sign language for the deaf and hard of hearing. Tour timetables are advertised in advance.

Exhibition texts are available in both English and Icelandic.

For further information, please contact 411-6370 or send an email to borgarsogusafn@reykjavik.is.

Various groups

Reykjavík City Museum welcomes diverse groups and makes every effort to meet their needs. Has your group visited the museum yet?

Amongst those groups who are regular visitors to the museum are:

Klúbburinn Geysir

Hlutverkasetrið

Dagþjálfun fólks með heilabilun

For further information, please contact 411-6300 or send an email to safnfraedsla@reykjavik.is.