Central to Hafnarfjörður´s art scene is Hafnarborg, The Hafnarfjörður Centre of Culture and Fine Art, where various cultural events take place.
The museum has two exhibition galleries and the exhibitions change regularly. The exhibitions explore works by leading Icelandic artists, ranging from contemporary art to works by the pioneers of Icelandic art. Collection exhibitions are a regular part of the program. The Hafnarborg collection is mostly Icelandic with emphasis on works by Eiríkur Smith (b.1925) a leading 20th century artist in Iceland. Hafnarborg offers lunchtime concerts and chamber music regularly.
The museum was formally opened in May 1988, after Dr. Sverrir Magnússon and his wife Ingibjörg Sigurjónsdóttir laid the foundation for Hafnarborg by donating their considerable collection of art and their house in the centre of Hafnarfjördur. The collection has grown considerably since then, both through purchases made and through gifts from artists and collectors. The Art Institute of Hafnarborg is run by the Town of Hafnarfjördur and it protects the art collection of the Municipality.
The museum hosts a dynamic educational program in connection with its exhibitions. Guided tours in english are available upon request. Hafnarborg is also a popular concert hall and hosts a free lunch concert the first Thursday of every month.
The museum´s café is run by Gló, a health food restaurant. The menu consists of raw food specials and warm vegetarian or meat courses. The restaurant also offers coffee, cakes and desserts.
