Do you know Reykjavik’s Perlan? An architectural and cultural gem, its exhibition center overlooks the capital on the famous Öskjuhlíð Hill. This futuristic structure crowned by a glass dome houses an interactive museum that we really enjoyed. Discover Iceland’s natural wonders. Immersive experience fans like us? Immerse yourself in thousand-year-old glaciers and the sublime northern lights. Our favorites: the ice grotto and the 360° panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views. Ready to join us on this adventure?
In this article, we’ll share with you some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit to the Musée Perlan and have an unforgettable time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik?
Is a visit to this exhibition center worthwhile? Our opinion:
Yes, the Perlan Museum is well worth a visit. Nicknamed “the Pearl of Reykjavik”, this exhibition center is much more than just a museum. We loved this immersive place, full of surprises between its planetarium, its original architecture and its panoramic terrace!
In our opinion, it’s one of the best attractions in Reykjavik.
Why is the Perlan Museum famous?
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you’ve probably already heard of the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik, which is much more than just a museum. This futuristic exhibition center is famous for many reasons:
- Its beautiful glass and steel dome, which earns it the name “pearl” (“perlan” means “pearl” in Icelandic).
- Its location on Öskjuhlíð Hill south of Reykjavik, overlooking the capital
- The world’s most unique artificial ice cave, immersing us in the environment of an authentic Icelandic glacier.
- Immersive, interactive museography
- The planetarium, which offered us a suspended moment on the origin of the northern lights
- Panoramic observation deck and revolving restaurant atop the glass dome
Ready to take the tour?
Our favorite moments
You’ll discover the details of our visit experience later in this article, but we’re sharing our favorite moments with you right now:
- the immersive and captivating Northern Lights show at the planetarium
- the artificial ice grotto
- panoramic city views from the terrace
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History in brief
Did you know that this modern, futuristic building used to be a geothermal (or low-energy) hot water storage tank? Comprising 6 reservoirs, this structure became a Reykjavik landmark in 1991 thanks to the work of architect Ingimundur Sveinsson. It was the addition of the glazed metal dome that made the difference and earned it the name “Perlan” (“pearl” in Icelandic).
Today, this modernist exhibition center houses a 4-storey museum, an artificial ice grotto that left us speechless, a panoramic terrace and a revolving restaurant on the top floor.
How to find us: Perlan Museum, Reykjavik
Where is the museum?
- South-east of downtown
- On the famous Öskjuhlíð Hill
- 30min walk from Reykjavik’s Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral
- 10min drive from Whales of Iceland Museum
- On Varmahlíð street
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How to get there?
From downtown, it’s a 30-minute walk.
By public transport, you can reach the Perlan Museum by bus, taking one of 3 routes: 8, 13 or 18 from the city center.
The museum is one of many stops on Reykjavik’s Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus – book your seat now!
Parking
If you’re travelling by car, there’s ample outdoor parking in front of the museum. Spaces are also reserved for people with reduced mobility.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
As this museum is open all year round, there’s really no better time to visit. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend coming to the opening on a weekday in spring or autumn.
In summer, the weather is milder and the days longer, so you can take your time visiting and enjoying the observation deck. There are also more tourists.
You can also do what we do, and visit the museum in winter. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights outside, and immerse yourself in Iceland’s interactive nature exhibits.
Length of visit and main difficulties
The exhibition center is huge! Allow between 1h30 and 2h30 to visit the exhibits, admire the planetarium show, discover the observation terrace and the artificial ice grotto. Taking a tour of this futuristic building as you arrive or leave, observing the hill on which it’s perched, is also a nice option to add to your list.
We have not identified any particular difficulties, as the site is equipped with elevators and PRM access. But remember to dress warmly and wear suitable footwear if you enter the ice cave and take a walk on the terrace.
Advice on how to visit
There is no imposed direction of visit. We recommend starting on the 1st floor and working your way up to the observation deck (and possibly the restaurant if you want to eat there). Stop off at the planetarium to see the Northern Lights, then head into the artificial ice grotto! Explore the exhibition on the 1st and 2nd floors. Take a break to admire the exceptional 360° views of Reykjavik and the surrounding area from the observation deck.
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Visiting with children
It’s a big yes to visit this immersive, totally kid-friendly place! Magnifying lenses, explanatory panels on Icelandic nature, planetarium with projection and show as if you were there, reproductions that you can touch… In short, your children will be as happy as fish in water in this playful museum designed for adults and children alike. In the outdoor play area, your little ones can also enjoy a bouncy castle and a zip line for fun outdoor activities!
Schedules and rates
Schedules:
- open every day of the year
- Access to the Planetarium from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Access to the Wonders of Iceland exhibition from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Last admission 1 hour before closing time
Rates:
- Full adult fare: ISK 5,390 / Icelandic krona
- Children aged 6 to 17: ISK 3,390 / Icelandic krona
- Free for children under 6
For more details, see the latest information on the official website here.
Catering
On the top floor of the building, the Restaurant du Perlan surprised us with its revolving restaurant concept, allowing you to enjoy a 360° view during your meal.
Nestled beneath the imposing metal glass dome, this is one of the city’s finest restaurants from which to marvel at the beauty of Reykjavik and its surrounding mountains. Open daily from 11.30am to 6pm.
There’s also a bar open from 11.30am to 10pm for a drink, and a café open from 9am to 6pm for a sweet or savoury snack on the go. Last but not least, the ice cream counter will delight the taste buds of young and old alike from 10am to 10pm.
The “Pearl” of Reykjavik
Modern architectural gem
Arriving at the Perlan Museum, we took time to look around the building. Located on the famous Öskjuhlíð Hill, this exhibition center surprised us with its futuristic architecture. Did you know that it was historically a geothermal hot water storage reservoir? Composed of 6 reservoirs, this structure became a tourist attraction in Reykjavik in 1991 thanks to architect Ingimundur Sveinsson. Note also that the building is over 25m high.
The amazing glass dome
As you approach the building, you’ll have noticed that it’s crowned by a huge glass dome. We learned that this glazed metal dome was added by architect Ingimundur Sveinsson in the 1990s above the 6 water storage tanks. It now houses the museum’s revolving restaurant, where you can enjoy a 380° view of Reykjavik with the mountains in the background as you savor your meal. Original, isn’t it?
Öskjuhlíð Hill
Le Perlan is nestled on the heights of Öskjuhlíð Hill in the heart of the city park of the same name, a 20-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik. If you stand with your back to the museum at the top of the hill, you’ll see the mountains in the background and part of the city’s skyline emerging shyly behind the snow-covered trees. Do you see them?
When the Wonders of Iceland go on show
Planetarium: Northern Lights show
This museum was particularly inspiring, as we learned a lot about Icelandic nature and its special features. The direction of visit is not imposed. For our part, we chose to start with the immersive Northern Lights show at the planetarium. This projection, called “Áróra”, explains the origin of this sublime phenomenon, which occurs in the northern hemisphere (the aurora australis occurs in the southern hemisphere). Thrills and unforgettable images guaranteed! Thanks to modern technologies like 8K video, 3D and 7.1 surround sound, we had a blast! Want to see these natural wonders for real? Book your getaway from Reykjavik!
The artificial ice grotto
On the same floor as the planetarium, we entered an ice cave. Yes, you read that right! In keeping with the spirit of playful, immersive museography, this artificial ice grotto, the only one of its kind in the world, has been installed on the grounds of the Musée Perlan.
Measuring 100m in depth, it was built from 350 tons of snow and ice! A way of recreating the environment of a real Icelandic glacier. An unusual experience in the heart of a museum!
Other showrooms
On the 1st and 2nd floors of the museum, you’ll also learn more about volcanism, geothermal energy, the northern lights, glaciers, oceans, flora and fauna… It’s truly an educational tour designed for all ages. Among the Wonders of Iceland that make up the nature of this country full of surprises, we loved the reproductions of the different types of glaciers, with full explanations of their formation. If, like us, you love geology and, more broadly, everything to do with nature, you won’t be bored.
The exhibition is truly interactive and educational. Some areas feature magnifying lenses to allow us to observe Icelandic flora and fauna at close quarters in the country’s various natural areas. The region is home to a wide variety of birds, including puffins, snipe, fulmars and wagtails. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them on one of your walks. In any case, we’ve discovered all their special features, not least through this exhibition.
Finally, the panoramic experience
The Perlan observation deck
The highlight of the 4th floor show is the terrace! Access is included in your museum ticket. It’s not possible to go there freely without your ticket. Take care, as in winter, some corners of the ground may have frozen over. Remember to wear appropriate footwear! You’ll notice that this observation platform is panoramic, as it goes all the way around the dome. In every corner of the terrace, a sign tells you which part of the city and its surroundings you’re looking at.
Exceptional 360° views
You can also find your bearings on the observation deck of the Musée Perlan, where a beautiful compass rose has been installed. We were overwhelmed by the incredible views of the different parts of the city and the landscapes in the background. Postcard-perfect settings!
When the sky is clear, you’ll be able to make out the capital’s iconic buildings. Of course, we went all the way around the terrace to take in all the panoramic views without missing a drop! For example, we were fascinated by Reykjavik Cathedral, seen from a different perspective. You’ll see it on the left of the image below. Quite nice to see the city’s attractions from another angle, isn’t it?
To round off this unique experience at the Perlan Museum, you can head upstairs to the revolving restaurant on the top floor to enjoy top-of-the-range cuisine, or take a stroll outside the building in the verdant park.
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Frequently asked questions
Is access to the Perlan observation deck free?
No, access to the Perlan Museum’s observation deck is not free, but included in your admission ticket, as are the planetarium, the Wonders of Iceland exhibition and the artificial ice cave.
>> Book your ticket now
Is the ice cave at Perlan real?
No, the ice grotto inside the Musée Perlan is artificial. It was made from 350 tonnes of snow and ice to recreate the environment of an authentic Icelandic glacier. You’ll be fully immersed, and you’ll really feel like you’re there!
What are the interactive activities for children at Musée Perlan?
The museum is child-friendly, with outdoor activities such as the bouncy castle and zip-line, and indoor activities such as the interactive exhibition areas and planetarium. Magnifying lenses, magnifying glasses, life-size reproductions and plenty of explanations make this a must-see if you’re visiting Reykjavik with the family. Your children can learn a great deal about Icelandic nature, in a fun and educational way, to make them aware of the beauty and importance of preserving the environment.
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