Nordic House (Iceland)

The Nordic House in Reykjavík is a cultural institution opened in 1968 and operated by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Its goal is to foster and support cultural connections between Iceland and the other Nordic countries. To this end the Nordic House organizes a diverse program of cultural events and exhibitions. The house is the venue for front row activities in the Icelandic cultural calendar: Reykjavík International Film and Literary Festivals, Iceland Airwaves and The Nordic Fashion Biennale—launched by the Nordic House, now on its way to the runways of Copenhagen and New York City.

The Nordic House maintains a library that is unique in Iceland because of its architecture and design by Alvar Aalto and its collection of over 30,000 items in 7 Nordic languages though without Icelandic. Library users may loan books, eBooks, films, magazines and graphic art by Nordic artists from the Artotek, use the Internet, study or have a cup of coffee and read a range of Nordic newspapers which arrive daily by airmail.

In addition, there is a shop for Nordic design, exhibition space and auditoriums. The house also features an acclaimed restaurant AALTO Bistro that serves fresh, local and healthy food In true Nordic style. For years, the renowned chef Sveinn Kjartansson has been showing viewers of Icelandic television how to make the most of the country's natural food sources, especially its impressive range of seafood. Now, visitors to AALTO Bistro in the Nordic House can sample for themselves the work of this creative chef, in the form of delicious and delightful fresh lunch specials and during the day.

The Nordic House is designed by acclaimed Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. The house is one of his later works, a hidden gem among the better known masterpieces, and features most of Aalto's signature traits. These are evident in the ultramarine blue ceramic rooftop that takes its organic shape from the mountain row in the background, the central well in the library and the extensive use of white, tile and wood throughout the building. Alvar Aalto also designed the furnishings in most of his buildings. In the Nordic house, all installed furnishings, lamps and almost all of the furniture are by Aalto. The Nordic House is the only building in Iceland designed by an internationally acclaimed architect Opening hours: Library: Daily 12:00 – 17:00 June 1 – August 31 Weekdays 10:00 – 17:00 Exhibitions: Daily except Mondays 12:00 – 17:00

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