Iceland Volcano Museum

Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, Iceland hosts the spectacular Myvatn region, a mosaic of unique natural wonders. Nestled within this mesmerizing environment, the Volcano Museum is intricately woven into the landscape, mirroring the rise and fall of the earth with its inclining roof, and causing minimal disruption to the surroundings.



Envisioned to blend seamlessly with the landscape, the museum aims to cultivate an intimate interaction between visitors and the verdant surroundings. Visitors are drawn into the magic of the changing seasons and beauty of the environment through the museum's various spaces and experiences.



The museum's elliptical design borrows from the geologic elements of its environment: the volcanic craters, thermal springs, and lakes. The long axis of the ellipse aligns with Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir Lael Fields, creating a harmonious dialogue with the landscape. The doubly sloping ellipse encapsulates a continuous space that interweaves interior and exterior, its intersection offering a terraced performance deck with sweeping views of the vista.



Inside, the museum unfolds in a fluid ring of exhibition and office spaces encircling a meditative reflecting pool, a sanctuary reflecting Myvatn's rich culture.



Three concentric paths guide visitors through the museum. The entrance, a descending ramp, metaphorically disconnects visitors from the ordinary world. Inside, a tranquil path invites peaceful contemplation amid an array of artworks and installations. The second ring, an accessible rooftop, serves as an observation deck for visitors to explore the surroundings. The deck emerges from the hillside and spirals upwards, rewarding onlookers with panoramic views of Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir Lael Fields. The third ring, a park loop trail, acts as an open-air gallery showcasing large-scale sculptures within the ever-changing landscape.



The museum's undulating facade embodies a blend of visual permeability and repetition, fostering a strong connection to the landscape while enclosing the interior space. This sinuous facade oscillates in orientation, adjusting its louvers to optimally capture sunlight and mirror classic Icelandic architectural forms. Emphasizing materials that evoke a timeless dialogue with the surroundings, the design presents art exhibits within a multipurpose hall against the backdrop of the stunning Myvatn landscape.