Þjóðbúningahátíð Þjóðminjasafnsins 2026 / National Costume Festival 2026

On 5–6 September, the National Museum of Iceland will host a true celebration of the Icelandic national costume.

Each autumn, the museum honours the Icelandic national costume with a festival held around the anniversary of the death of Sigurður Guðmundsson the Painter. Sigurður was the first curator of the National Museum of Iceland, then known as the Museum of Antiquities, and played a pivotal role in developing and reviving the Icelandic national costume during the 19th century.

To mark the occasion, Icelanders and other visitors are encouraged to come to the museum wearing either the Icelandic national costume or the traditional costume of their own country. Visitors who arrive in national dress will receive free admission to the museum's exhibitions and the day's events.

🦋Programme – Saturday, 5 September

14:00–15:00 – Traditional craftspeople from the Icelandic Handicraft Association (Heimilisiðnaðarfélag Íslands) and live music throughout the museum galleries

15:00–16:00 – Icelandic folk dancing in the museum foyer

16:00 – Procession to Hólavallakirkjugarður Cemetery to lay a wreath at the grave of Sigurður Guðmundsson the Painter

🦋Programme – Sunday, 6 September, 14:00

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The Bridal Costume for the Whole Family

Guided Tour and Collage Workshop

A family event inviting visitors of all ages to discover the Icelandic bridal costume, its history and craftsmanship. Museum educator Jóhanna Bergmann guides children through the exhibition, followed by a collage workshop inspired by the work of Kristjana S. Williams. Historian and master dressmaker Guðrún Hildur Rosenkjær explores the craftsmanship behind the bridal costume and presents her own reconstruction of it.