20th-Century Exhibits

20th-Century Exhibits

The twentieth century spans a remarkable range of pieces. The period is characterised by mass-production, excess, and ever-changing fashions and technology. Objects rapidly become obsolete, and museums face difficulties. Much must be collected, but storage space is often limited. At the beginning of the 20th century, collection of objects relating to working life and the home had hardly begun.

A turning-point was reached in 1944, when the museum undertook the preservation of the Ásbúð Collection, which contains thousands of rare objects relating to daily life in Iceland in the first half of the 20th century. The National Museum has also received various other collections, such as a collection relating to the 1930 celebrations of the millennium of the Alþingi (parliament), as well as maritime, agricultural, technical and handcrafts collections. These mainly comprised items from the first half of the 20th century; collections from the second half of the century include the Kringlan collection, relating to the first year of the Kringlan shopping mall.

But objects from the latter half of the 20th century are constantly being added to the museum’s collection. The National Museum’s extensive photographic collection is an important contribution to 20th-century history. The National Museum has various obligations under law, as the country’s main agency in conservation of heritage objects; local and specialised museums also collect contemporary objects.



Útlit síðu:

Þetta vefsvæði byggir á Eplica