April 20, 2026
A BRIDAL COSTUME RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND
One of the most remarkable bridal costumes in Iceland’s history will be the highlight of an exhibition in the Arc Hall at the National Museum of Iceland.
The costume, dating primarily from the late 18th century, was believed to have been lost in a shipwreck off the south of Iceland.
“That was all lost off the south of the country in 1809, with Englishmen. Our land has utterly lost these objects, and now there is no hope that such fine things may be obtained here in Iceland, or even examples of such objects.”
L ater it was discovered that the costume was not lost at sea, but its whereabouts were unknown. In 1963, Elsa E. Guðjónsson, textile and costume specialist, discovered it in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
MORE ABOUT KSW X V&A
In 1866, Sigurður Guðmundsson “the Painter” - curator and pioneer in the revival of Icelandic costume, wrote:
“That was all lost off the south of the country in 1809, with Englishmen. Our land has utterly lost these objects, and now there is no hope that such fine things may be obtained here in Iceland, or even examples of such objects.”
L ater it was discovered that the costume was not lost at sea, but its whereabouts were unknown. In 1963, Elsa E. Guðjónsson, textile and costume specialist, discovered it in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
MORE ABOUT KSW X V&A
Six years later it was loaned to the National Museum of Iceland for an exhibition, and now it is to return for:
A VOYAGE IN HISTORY - A BRIDAL COSTUME
May 9th 2026 - May 9th 2027
MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
DESIGNMARCH
DesignMarch is one of Reykjavík’s leading festivals and a key event in the city’s cultural calendar. It brings together participants and visitors in a dynamic world of design and innovation.
During the 6th of May 2026, Kristjana will join a group of leading creators as part of Connections, the overarching theme of HönnunarMars.
In a world shaped simultaneously by hyper-connectivity and disconnection, participants are invited to explore how design can strengthen communities, foster dialogue, and create meaningful connections in a rapidly changing society.