If Iceland is famous for its glaciers, volcanoes, and northern lights, there’s one place in downtown Reykjavik that will surprise even the most seasoned traveler:
The Icelandic Phallological Museum – aka, the world’s only penis museum.
Yes, you read that right.
A museum entirely dedicated to phalluses.
Not paintings. Not bones. Not Viking swords.
But genitals – 286 of them (and counting), sourced from 93 different animal species, all preserved and proudly on display.
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Wait, What?
Tucked on a quiet street near the city center, the entrance is almost humble—until you step inside and find yourself face-to-face with a sperm whale penis taller than you.
In most museums, you tilt your head up to admire a sculpture.
Here, you might tilt your head down… or, depending on the species, back up again in awe.
Some visitors giggle.
Some raise eyebrows.
Some stand frozen in front of the walrus specimen, which, trust me, is impossible to ignore.
More Than Just Laughs
Sure, it’s funny.
But the Phallological Museum is not a joke—it’s surprisingly scientific, cultural, and even philosophical.
Founded by historian Sigurður Hjartarson in 1997, the museum began with a single bull penis gifted to him by a farmer. Today, it’s become a quirky yet globally recognized center of phallology—the academic study of penises.
The museum includes:
- The 1.7-meter-long penis of a sperm whale
- Genitals from polar bears, seals, and arctic foxes
- Equine and bovine specimens that could star in mythology
- Even one human specimen (yes, really)
There’s also a section on penises in folklore—including elves, trolls, and sea monsters from Icelandic legends.
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A Museum Unlike Any Other
Forget stuffy museum etiquette. Here, visitors take selfies next to… things they’d never see in textbooks.
There’s even a gift shop full of rather cheeky souvenirs:
phallus-shaped salt shakers, neckties, shot glasses, and fridge magnets you probably won’t want to explain to your grandmother.
Don’t Miss This
- Audio guide: A witty walk-through that blends science and humor.
- Art installations: Some are playful, some provocative—one includes silver-cast phalluses of an entire Icelandic sports team (don’t ask).
- Interactive displays: For those curious about comparative anatomy. Really curious.
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Why It Matters
Behind the laughs, the Phallological Museum challenges us to:
- De-taboo the human body
- Celebrate biology and biodiversity
- Question what we consider “worthy” of museums
- Explore the oddities of evolution—with an open (and slightly blushing) mind
It’s not just about shock value. It’s about wonder.
How to Visit
- Location: Laugavegur 116, Reykjavik
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 6 PM
- Tickets: Around $15 USD
- Time to Spend: 45 min – 1.5 hours (depending on how thorough you want to be)
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Final Thoughts: Come Curious, Leave Wiser (and Maybe Red-Faced)
Travel is about new perspectives.
And nowhere shifts your perspective quite like a room full of genitals from land, sea, and sky.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum isn’t for the faint of heart—or the overly serious.
But for those brave enough to enter, it offers something rare in the world of museums:
pure, unfiltered curiosity mixed with just the right dose of absurdity.
You’ll walk out laughing, learning, and maybe even questioning evolution’s wildest choices.
So next time you’re in Reykjavik, step inside.
Because when else will you get to say:
“I saw the world’s largest penis… and it changed me.”
FAQ
What is the Icelandic Phallological Museum, and why is it so unique?
The Icelandic Phallological Museum, located in Reykjavik, is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to the study and display of penises. It houses over 280 specimens from more than 90 different species, ranging from whales and seals to humans. What makes it so unique isn’t just its content but the cultural curiosity and scientific lens through which it presents what could otherwise be considered taboo.
Why would someone create a penis museum?
The museum was founded by Sigurður Hjartarson, a former history teacher with a fascination for phallic specimens. What began as a humorous hobby became a serious academic and biological collection. His motivation? To preserve and educate the public about the biological diversity of phallic anatomy—while also challenging societal taboos and sparking curiosity.
What can visitors expect to see inside?
Visitors can expect an eclectic mix of biology, art, and humor. The collection includes preserved animal penises in jars, dried specimens, and even sculptures and phallic-themed artwork. The museum walks a fine line between scientific fascination and playful absurdity, offering an experience that’s both educational and entertaining.
Is there really a human penis on display?
Yes—and it’s one of the museum’s most talked-about exhibits. The museum received its first human specimen in 2011 from a 95-year-old Icelandic man who had pledged it during his lifetime. However, there are future donations pledged from other donors around the world, including a few with very specific display requests.
Is the museum just a novelty attraction or does it have scientific value?
While it certainly has a quirky and humorous appeal, the Icelandic Phallological Museum holds real scientific value. It contributes to zoological studies and features rare anatomical specimens that can’t be found elsewhere. Researchers and biologists have visited the museum for study purposes, making it more than just a tourist oddity.
How do visitors usually react?
Most visitors start off giggling or blushing, but they often leave impressed by the sheer scope and detail of the collection. Many report that the museum breaks down awkwardness and sparks open-minded conversations about anatomy, sexuality, and cultural perceptions.
Where is the museum located, and how can I visit?
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is located in downtown Reykjavik, Iceland. It’s open year-round and easily accessible to tourists. You can walk in, book in advance, or even purchase a souvenir from its quirky gift shop—which offers phallic-themed items ranging from tasteful to hilarious.
What’s the general tone of the museum—serious or silly?
It’s a delightful blend of both. The museum doesn’t shy away from humor, but it also respects the subject matter with scientific descriptions, Latin names, and factual displays. You’ll find yourself laughing one moment and learning something genuinely surprising the next.
Travel isn’t always about ticking off the postcard-perfect sights. Sometimes, the most unforgettable moments come from the places that challenge your expectations—and make you laugh out loud in the process.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum may not be what you planned to see in Reykjavik, but trust us—it’s the kind of story you’ll tell for years.
So whether you’re a curious explorer, a science geek, or just someone with a good sense of humor, don’t skip this one-of-a-kind stop.
After all, when in Iceland…
why not add a little blush-worthy adventure to your bucket list?
Happy travels — and keep exploring boldly!
