National Costume Festival - Sunday
On 5–6 September, the National Museum of Iceland will host a true celebration of the Icelandic national costume.
Each autumn, the museum honours the Icelandic national costume with a festival held around the anniversary of the death of Sigurður Guðmundsson the Painter. Sigurður was the first curator of the National Museum of Iceland—then known as the Museum of Antiquities—and played a pivotal role in developing and reviving the Icelandic national costume during the 19th century.
To mark the occasion, Icelanders and other visitors are encouraged to visit the National Museum wearing either the Icelandic national costume or the traditional costume of their own country. Visitors who arrive in national dress will receive free admission to the museum's exhibitions and the day's events.
Programme – Sunday, 6 September, 14:00
The Bridal Costume for the Whole Family
Guided Tour and Collage Workshop
Families are invited to explore the Icelandic bridal costume and discover the stories and craftsmanship behind it. Visitors will be welcomed by Jóhanna Bergmann, museum educator, and Guðrún Hildur Rosenkjær, specialist in the Kristján Eldjárn Chair. Jóhanna will lead activities for children, while Guðrún Hildur will guide costume enthusiasts and anyone interested in the artistry of the bridal costume. Visitors are welcome to move freely between the two groups, regardless of age.
Jóhanna Bergmann will guide children through the exhibition, with a special stop at the enchanting collage artwork illustrating the history of the bridal costume. The piece, created by Kristjana S. Williams, is displayed beneath the arch in the museum's Arch Hall. Afterwards, participants will head to the children's and family space on the first floor, where children can create their own story by cutting out and assembling a variety of illustrated figures inspired by Kristjana's artwork. The collage workshop will be open until 15:30.
Meanwhile, Guðrún Hildur Rosenkjær, historian and master's graduate in dressmaking and costume construction, will discuss and demonstrate the craftsmanship behind the Icelandic bridal costume. The exhibition also features Guðrún Hildur's meticulously recreated version of the costume. This is a must-see for anyone interested in Icelandic women's traditional dress.
For many years, Guðrún Hildur has dedicated her work to researching, reconstructing, and sharing knowledge about Icelandic historical costume. She combines careful analysis of historical sources with hands-on experimental reconstruction, recreating garments using period materials and techniques to shed light on details that written sources alone cannot fully explain.
There is something for everyone at the National Museum of Iceland. In addition to the museum's permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions, the children's and family space on the first floor is open to all visitors. You can also relax in the museum café with refreshments and light meals, or browse the museum shop, which offers a carefully selected range of distinctive and high-quality products.
