library of water

261rakels

This museum is a good one, especially if you realize a little bit what you're visiting. Read about it, visit it and read some more....

moniquec266

It's an art installation, with an important message. After absorbing the presence of the pillars, it's worth spending a few minutes in the reading room to learn more about the artist and her message. Staff were practically invisible, more interested in socializing with friends than helping visitors.

AnnElizabeth97123

The view is spectacular of the harbor and most of the town. The concept is that there is water from many of the Icelandic glaciers in large floor to ceiling tubes. If you like quirky things like this, then you will enjoy the quick stop in here.

jimfromalberta

I paid a quick visit as it is located within eyesight of our room at the hotel. It is intended to be a reflection on water in its various moods but really it's just a bunch of tubes filled with water with words written on the floor. On the plus side there are great views out to the ocean and overlooking the harbour in a wind free environment. Very expensive for what it is, however.

Dominique050

There is really nothing to see! Some glass tubes filled with water in a sterile room. I really do not understand the attraction

SeattleBasedVagabond

Some of the guidebooks talk about this as being free...its not (or, at least, isn't now)...it is 500 ISK/Adult (i.e. USD$4.50). While that isn't much...I'm not sure what I got for my money.I guess this is supposed to be art, but it is badly managed (we walked in, paid, and were left to our own devices...and when a couple came in asking what it as...before they paid their money...the only explanation was the one in the guidebooks.. To get value of this we need more detailed explanation of how to work with it...Maybe its just supposed to be art...but if so, it seems rather self-agrandizing. Skip it.

JimM237

Weren't sure about this one, but really enjoyed it. Wonderful view of the whole town and a fascinating exhibit. It is wonderful how the water columns reflect the surrounding landscape. Attendant is very helpful with explanations.

MarySEverett_Wa

Had never heard of. Museum that specialized in water but here it is! In a wonderful location and worth the visit just for the view

934harir

First off this is an art installation so if art is not your thing there won't be much to hold your attention. There are 24 pillars filled with water, each from a different glacier, spaced out around the main room, the floor of which is covered with words used to describe weather in English and Icelandic. It's serene and quiet and lovely. I saw on a windowsill and sketched for about half and hour and was completely at peace. There is also a semicircular room with tables for chess. I would have loved to have come here with a good book or laptop and just written for hours but sadly we were constrained by the ferry timetable.It's a relatively easy walk up from the harbour, you don't need the drive - two short staircases up to he top of the cliff. Well worth a visit, though I imagine kids might get bored. 500ISK entrance fee and you have to take your shoes off.

AmandaH273

What a creative and artistic way to preserve glacial water. I visited the museum in the evening and it was enchanting. Does not require a lot of time. There are also beautiful views of small Stykkisholmur from the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

374dianneh

I did not know what to expect. What a surprise. Well worth the money. A beautiful setting, high on a hill with a panoramic view of the town. The columns of water changed the acoustics in the room as exemplified by the mini concert given by the curator.

robbieb66

OK, there's not a lot to do in Stykkishlmur when you boil it all down. it's a nice place, but Paris it is not.After being slightly miffed at there being a 500 ISK entry fee after our (out of date) Guidebook had sdaid it was free, it turned out to be one of the better £3 I have spent in recent years! It's a cool space, a great concept and just a nice place to chill and reflect. It is actually a unique place and as such I would urge you to take half an hour, pay up and enjoy the Library of Water.

luciennem250

Beautiful installation on a high hill in the heart of Stykkisholmur. Remember to take off your shoes before you enter! And read the funny words all over the floor in between the glass display columns of glacial water. The curator said that of the 24 sampled glaciers, 1 was already gone. Beautiful and a little sad! The view is amazing.

JoninaMaria

Beautiful house at the highest spot in Stykkisholmur. Wonderful view over the town and the islands. Interesting installation by Roni Horn. A visit is recommended.

trrricky

Visiting the Library of Water is a pilgrimage of sorts and it rewards those who make the trip with a transcendent experience. Roni Horn brings together issues of community, language, the weather and global environmental crises together into one poetic gesture. Overlooking the whole town and harbor of Stykkisholmur, it quietly but confidently demonstrates art's ability to change lives, inspire creative solutions, and even guide policy. If you like Horn's work, it's well worth seeking out.