The National Gallery of Iceland, established in 1884, is the principal art museum of Iceland. Its art collection consists mainly of works of 19th and 20th century art. In its possession are many of the keystones of Icelandic art history, as well as a growing collection of works from other countries.
The National Gallery’s main role is to collect, preserve, research, and exhibit Icelandic art and offer education about it. A considerable emphasis is also laid on showing Icelandic art in context with international art. The museum sees it as one of its priorities to educate visitors about exhibitions and single artworks, by means of texts, guidance, meetings with artists, and a databank which is accessible through computers in The National Gallery’s education centre.