Árbæjarsafn

Its purpose is to give the public an insight into the living conditions, work and recreational activities of the people of Reykjavík in earlier times.

The systematic collection of documents on the town's history began about that time, laying the foundations for the city's archives.

In 1957, the city council agreed that a public park and open-air museum with old houses of historical value should be created there.

Árbæjarsafn was first conceived as a department of the Archives and Historical Collection of Reykjavík, an open-air museum where the living environment of past generations could be re-created in an authentic manner.

The gift shop and other facilities are not usually open during the winter season; however, the museum office and library may often be accessed out-of-season.

The resident cow prepares to be milked.
Old-fashioned haymaking at Arbær Museum.
Haymaking
Scene from the old farm
Locomotive Pioner from the Harbour railway , as preserved at the museum today.