By 
Iceland’s Phallological Museum has the world’s biggest collection of phalluses, which in laymen’s terms, makes it a museum of penises. And although you’ll find a few art or tongue-in-cheek pieces here, most of the official collection are the real deal.
So, if you have a scientific interest or you’re just intrigued (especially with how such a strange place came to be and where they receive their “donations,” read on. We reveal all this and more about the phallic museum in Iceland.
The Lowdown on Iceland’s Phallological Museum
It may seem strange that the world’s largest dick museum is considered family-friendly. The collection is not exhibited for salacious reasons but for serious interest and study (Phallology is an actual academic field).
The museum contains the phalluses of every mammal on the island (yes, even man), as well as a myriad of other specimens from around the world, so there are hundreds of penises lining the museum walls. The museum was founded by a historian and teacher, Sigurdur Hjartarson, in 1997.
Since then, the museum’s collection has expanded significantly, and its popularity has grown so much that the museum was forced to move to a bigger location. The collection has made such an impression internationally, in fact, that it was even featured in a Canadian documentary in 2012 called “The Final Member.”
The Icelandic Phallological Museum stands out as one of the few museums in the world dedicated entirely to the study and display of phallic specimens, offering an unmatched scientific and cultural exploration.
While phallic symbols are celebrated in other contexts, like Japan's Kanamara Matsuri festival, which features phallic-themed parades and rituals, Iceland’s museum provides a permanent, comprehensive collection of over 200 specimens from various species. This makes it a unique educational destination, blending humor, science, and culture in ways that few other institutions around the world do.
The Origin Story of the Phallus Museum in Iceland
Sigurdur Hjartarson might’ve been a historian and teacher, but his collection didn’t originate from academic studies. In the most cliché way when it comes to boys and their friends, he received a few phallic items (both real and artificial) as gag gifts. Somewhere along the line, he thought it could make a fun and quirky collection.
When he first opened the museum in Reykjavik, he had just 62 specimens. After Sigurdur retired in 2004, he (and his collection) moved to Husavik. But when the time came in 2011 for someone else to take over, his son, Hjörtur Gisli Sigurdsson, quit his job and moved the much larger and popular collection back to the capital city. Since then, it’s moved again due to space constraints.
The Fascinating Collection at the Icelandic Penis Museum
Where the collection started with 62, it boasts over 217 real specimens today. If you include a few of the quirky replicas (such as Jimi Hendrix’s member) and the mythological specimens (which include the penis of an elf – invisible, of course), the collection totals well over 282 items.
There are 93 animal penises in the museum, including various species of whales, seals, walruses, and even a polar bear. There are also 20 different kinds of land mammals featuring in the museum that includes a fellow Homo Sapien. The backstory to that donation is just as interesting as the museum itself.
The donor of the male genitalia was a local named Pall Arason, who lived in Akureyri. He had a bit of a reputation as a ladies’ man and requested that his legendary member (according to him) be donated to the museum so it could “live on” after his passing. Well, the man finally passed away at 95 years of age, and in the words of the museum’s founder: “he stayed active till the end – both vertically and horizontally.”
The Largest and Smallest Specimens
As you can see, there really is no end to the variety available at Iceland’s Phallological Museum. But when it comes to range, things definitely get extra interesting. The largest phallus in the collection is that of a Blue Whale (the largest whale species).
This giant of the ocean’s appendix measures a staggering 170 centimeters (that’s almost 2 meters!) and weighs an even more astounding 70 kilograms (that’s the total weight of 7 average-sized toddlers!).
The smallest specimen in the museum is not so much a phallus but a Baculum (or penis bone in laymen’s terms) that can only be viewed under a microscope, and if you knew who the owner was, you’d understand. This tiny little specimen is only 2 millimeters long and comes from a hamster.
Events & Exhibitions
The Icelandic Phallological Museum, known for its unique collection, occasionally hosts special events, exhibitions, and educational talks (both in Icelandic and English) that delve deeper into the scientific and cultural aspects of its displays.
In the past, the museum has collaborated on themed art shows and even hosted international exhibitions, showcasing phallic symbols in art and history. Visitors planning their trip around these events can enjoy a richer experience, so it’s worth checking the museum's schedule for any upcoming events or talks that could add educational and cultural value to their visit.
Visiting Iceland’s Phallological Museum
Below you will find all the information you need to plan your visit to Reykjavik’s penis museum:
Where is the Phallological Museum in Iceland?
Iceland’s Phallological Museum can be found near the world-famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, in the heart of Reykjavik (101 Reykjavik, to be exact). The move from Husavik to Reykjavik was brilliant since most visitors to the island (whether for business or pleasure) will spend time in Reykjavik since it’s nearest to Keflavik International Airport.
How to Get to the Phallological Museum
Since the Phallological Museum is situated in one of the most convenient spots on the island, there’s an array of options on how to get to the museum:
You Can Catch a Bus
Reykjavik’s public bus service is exceptional, and if you get yourself a Reykjavik City Card, it’s easy (and free!) to hop on and off these wherever you go in the capital city. You can check the various bus lines, departure points, time schedules, and other detailed information on Moovit.
You Can Drive
Although it’s not really necessary, some still prefer to travel with their own transport. Depending on where you find yourself in the city, a drive to the museum won’t be much longer than half an hour.
The museum is very close to Reykjavik Harbor and the Harpa Concert Hall (other famous landmarks here in Iceland you can use to gauge whether you’re on the right track). Simply type the following address into your GPS:
Hafnartorg, Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavik
And voila!
You Can Walk
Depending on where you find yourself in the city, walking to the museum might be your easiest and quickest option. If you walk down Route 41 with the Saga Museum and Reykjavik Harbor behind you, you’ll eventually find Iceland’s Phallological Museum right before the bend.
The Operating Hours of Iceland’s Phallological Museum
The dick museum of Iceland, or cock museum (as it’s sometimes cheekily referred to), is open 7 days a week, from 10:00 to 19:00 each day.
Please note that operating hours can change when it’s the “down” season, the weather is extremely bad, it’s a public holiday, or an unforeseen event has occurred. That’s why it’s always a good idea to give the museum a call before you head out. Their number is +354 561 6663.
How Much the Icelandic Phallological Museum Tickets Cost
The Icelandic Phallological Museum entrance fee is 3300 ISK (+/-$24.45/€22.25) per person. Pensioners and the disabled get a special price of 2640 ISK (+/-$19.55/€17.80) per person. But if you got yourself a Reykjavik City Card, you’ll also receive a 20% discount on your entry fee. Children under 13 (accompanied by an adult, of course) get free entry.
Admission to the museum includes an audio guide, so be sure to pick one up for a richer, more informative experience!
