September 23, 2026

The bridal costume

A Voyage in History – The Bridal Costume Exhibition continues at the National Museum of Iceland until 9 May 2027, inviting visitors to discover the story of one of the most remarkable bridal costumes in Icelandic history.

For those who can’t make it to Iceland just yet, we wanted to share a little glimpse behind the scenes - including some sneaky photographs of the making of the artwork created for the exhibition.

Inspired by the extraordinary journey of the Brúðarbúningur, our artwork brings together history, nature and imagination. In the Brúðarbúningur Map, Iceland unfolds through richly detailed flora and fauna, volcanic moths and whale skeletons drifting above rooftops. Rather than mapping the landscape as it is, it traces a landscape shaped by stories, memories and time.

Another surreal landscape translates time into geography, with west representing the past and east the future. At its centre sits the Brúðarbúningur, a bridal costume once belonging to Sigríður and passed down through generations.

The costume witnessed moments of joy and hardship, including the devastating eruption of Laki, before eventually being lost at sea. Its journey connects people, places and histories across generations.

And if the exhibition itself isn’t reason enough to make the journey, a selection of prints and exclusive merchandise inspired by the project will also be available at the museum shop.

Stay tuned for more glimpses behind the scenes, stories from the exhibition and a few surprises along the way.

SHOP ICELAND