Visiting Reykjavik? Don’t miss the Icelandic Phallological Museum! This unique institution boasts an exceptional scientific collection of almost 286 specimens. Yes, you read that right! We were both fascinated and amused by this rigorous, educational approach to an often taboo subject. Founded in 1997 by Sigurður Hjartarson, this iconoclastic museum is a clever blend of biological science and Icelandic humor.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great 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 Icelandic Phallological Museum
Is the Penis Museum worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, we think the Icelandic Phallological Museum is well worth a visit. Whether you’re an enthusiast or simply curious, this scientific institution will challenge you with its rigorous, educational approach, without vulgarity. We appreciated the biological and cultural dimension of this unique collection. Don’t forget to take the audioguide (in English only), which greatly enriched our tour experience with its scientific anecdotes. A visit you won’t soon forget!
It’s one of the best activities at Reykjavik!
It’s also an open museum, easily accessible in the capital in winter.
Why is the Icelandic Phallological Museum famous?
This surprising place, also known as the Penis Museum, has become a real tourist attraction at Reykjavik, ranking among the city’s most popular attractions. This unique institution boasts the world’s largest phallological collection, comprising some 286 specimens. The establishment cleverly mixes real samples with a few Icelandic folk creatures, in a quirky but never vulgar atmosphere that combines local humor with scientific rigor.
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Our favorite moments
We were particularly intrigued by :
- specimens of sperm whales and giant whales for their impressive size,
- the anecdotes in the audioguide also kept us interested, recounting the history of each collection and making this visit truly unique,
- Finally, the themed bistro extends the experience in a playful way, with its waffles and cocktails with evocative names in a “matching” décor.
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History in brief
The Icelandic Phallological Museum tells the story of a scientific collection like no other:
- 1970s: Sigurður Hjartarson, a historian with a passion for phallology, begins his collection.
- 1997: Official founding of the museum with 63 initial specimens
- Today: The collection has grown to almost 286 specimens
- Passing on: The museum is now run by Hjörtur Sigurðsson, son of the founder and collector.
Access: Icelandic Phallological Museum, Reykjavik
Where is the museum?
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is located in the city center of Reykjavik.
- Located not far from the seafront
- 15min walk from Hallgrimskirkja Church
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How to get there?
The museum is within easy walking distance of downtown Reykjavik. You can also opt to drive, as there are several parking lots nearby. The area is also well served by public transport. Finally, to make the most of all the capital’s attractions, we recommend you choose the Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus, which will take you leisurely to the city’s best points of interest. The Reykjavik Penis Museum is less than a 5-minute walk from the Lækjartorg stop.
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Parking
Several parking lots are available close to the museum: Harpa, Kolaport and Naustin. To help you find your way around, you can consult the different parking lots on the Parkopedia website here. Be aware that parking rules are quite strict in Iceland: a “P” sign will indicate the presence of a parking lot.
Finally, for added convenience, you can opt for paid parking and download one of the Parka (details here) or EasyPark (details here) apps, which allow you to pay for parking online later until midnight the same day!
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We recommend visiting the museum in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. As space is limited, you’ll appreciate a more leisurely visit.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 45min to 1h for the visit. You’ll see that the space is compact but rich in discoveries. We advise you to take the audioguide (in English only), which greatly enriched our experience with its collection anecdotes and its cultural and scientific insights. This slightly lengthens the duration, but allows you to understand the origin of this surprising collection!
We didn’t notice any particular difficulties during our visit, as the ground is flat. The museum is located on a single level, with good accessibility for all visitors. Rest assured: there are no stairs or difficult climbs on this tour. Finally, the PRM-accessible toilets are located in the extension of the exhibition areas.
Advice on how to visit
It’s a small museum that we found quite easy to explore. We suggest you start with the general explanations before exploring the individual sections. Take the time to listen to the audio guide for each remarkable specimen.
OUR GUIDES TO PLAN YOUR Dream trip
Visiting with children
Visiting with children depends on your educational approach. The museum aims to be scientific and educational, but some parents may prefer not to visit depending on the age and maturity of their children. It’s not a forbidden museum, but the subject matter may not suit everyone.
In terms of accessibility, if you’re visiting with a stroller, you’ll find it easy to move around the different areas.
Schedules and rates
- The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Entrance fee: ISK 3,300 per person
Visit the official website for more info here.
Catering
On-site, a themed bistro offers waffles, beers and cocktails with evocative names in a matching decor. It’s a fun way to extend your visit. You will also find many restaurants in downtown Reykjavik nearby such as:
- Café Loki, a convivial eatery facing the Hallgrimskirkja church,
- the Perlan Museum Restaurant, offering refined local cuisine with a panoramic view of Reykjavik from the top of the museum’s revolving dome,
- Restaurant Rok, a local meal with Icelandic flavors in a rustic setting.
Explore the diversity of life with curiosity
An exceptional scientific collection
Did you know that the Icelandic Phallological Museum’s collection now includes some 286 specimens? This cabinet of curiosities bears witness to a remarkable body of research begun in the 1970s. We were amazed by the diversity of species represented, from the phalluses of the smallest mammals to those of the impressive sperm whales and giant whales. You’ll discover pieces presented in formaldehyde jars, sometimes also in petrified wood, offering optimal preservation for scientific study. This rigorous approach transforms curiosity into a pedagogical and biological tool. Another intriguing fact: in 2011, the family collection was enriched by a human penis donated by Pall Arason, who was 96 at the time of his death.
The audioguide, an indispensable companion
We strongly recommend the audioguide (available in English) to enhance your understanding of the collection. The collection anecdotes, which both amused and genuinely interested us, trace the history of each specimen and provide cultural and scientific insights. You’ll learn about conservation methods, the anatomical particularities of each species and the challenges faced during collecting expeditions. This narrative approach will transform your visit into a journey through Icelandic and global biodiversity. The audioguide also helped us to understand the educational dimension of collector Sigurður Hjartarson’s project, far from any vulgarity, in an assumed scientific approach.
Intelligent fun in a quirky museum
A family legacy
As instructive as it is quirky, this museum bears witness to a fine story of family transmission, now run by Hjörtur Sigurðsson, son of founder Sigurður Hjartarson. We appreciate this continuity, which ensures the longevity of a collection that is unique in the world. Far from preconceived ideas, the meticulous presentation and attention to detail of each exhibition will make your experience truly appealing. This logic of transmission also ensures that the original spirit of the museum, combining scientific rigor and characteristic Icelandic humor, is maintained. We felt the human dimension of this project in every corner of the museum, creating a warm atmosphere despite the singularity of the subject matter.
Between reality and Icelandic folklore
As well as biological specimens, you’ll notice that the museum also features pieces from the collective imagination. Troll penises, elves or fictitious sea creatures… the museum’s Icelandic humor and self-mockery come into their own here! We welcome this approach, which enriches the scientific dimension with a touch of mythology specific to Iceland. Another way to discover how local culture integrates these imaginary creatures into its traditional folklore! This original combination testifies to the museum’s offbeat approach, fully embracing its iconoclastic side while maintaining a never vulgar atmosphere. So, are you ready for a visit like no other?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the museum suitable for all audiences?
The museum aims to be scientific and educational, without being vulgar. However, some visitors may feel uncomfortable depending on their sensibilities or beliefs. You need to assess your own reaction to the subject. If you want to go with children, it depends on their age and maturity. It’s not a forbidden museum, but the subject matter may not suit everyone.
Is it a vulgar or humorous museum?
Neither one nor the other. The tone is offbeat, but the approach is serious and scientific. You learn a lot, and sometimes you smile.
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