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Þjóðminjasafn Íslands or the National Museum of Iceland, which is located at Suðurgata 41, close to the University of Iceland, was established on 24th February 1863, but moved to its current location in 1950. Before 1863 all the Icelandic artefacts and antiques were kept in Danish museums.
Þjóðminjasafn Íslands or the National Museum of Iceland, which is located at Suðurgata 41, close to the University of Iceland, was established on 24th February 1863, but moved to its current location in 1950. Before 1863 all the Icelandic artefacts and antiques were kept in Danish museums. 
Jon Arnarsson was the first curator of the National Museum, while during the term of the next curator Sigurður Guðmundsson the museum came to be known as Antiquarian Collection till 1911, as he was keen to create an antiquarian set. Interestingly, before the present location was decided, the museum moved from one attic to another in Reykjavik city, before remaining in the National Library building attic for about four decades. Various artefacts and collections dating back to early Settlement Period till the present era can be seen at the national Museum, which also depicts the struggle during foreign rule till Iceland won its independence. The systematically-displayed artefacts give a glimpse of the country’s culture and history. In fact, there is an interesting section on the Settlement Period, including history of the first settlers, chieftains of various regions, introduction of Christianity in Iceland, living conditions during early period etc. 
The museum also exhibits Viking swords, drinking horns, statues, including one of Thor in bronze etc. Among other invaluable items include a 13th-century Valþjófsstaðir church door, which has carvings that tell a story of a knight, his lion and dragons. The museum also includes the National Museum Collection of Photographs and Prints that holds the country’s biggest image collection, with over four million photographs. The museum, which highlights its ‘Making of a nation’ section, also has guided tours on specified days.
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