In the Faroe Islands, it’s possible to experience visual art in many churches as well as other public spaces. In the churches of Haldórsvík and Miðvágur, for instance, Torbjørn Olsen has created unique altarpieces based on the Passion of Jesus. Ditlev Blunck’s work on the burial of Jesus hangs in the cathedral in Tórshavn. Opening times of churches, such as during a service, can be found on Folkekirke’s website. 

Tróndur Patursson has decorated several sub-sea tunnels with light installations – the most spectacular is in the Eysturoy tunnel, where the roundabout is definitely worth a look. 

Regular exhibitions of Faroese and Nordic art are held in the Nordic House in Tórshavn. Across the Faroese capital, there are several galleries and venues, such as Steinprent, Víngarðurin, Myndlist, Gallarí Havnará and Smiðjan Lítluvík, where temporary art exhibitions are held. Another place open to the public is Williamshús, the private residence and primary workplace of the Faroe Islands' most famous writer, William Heinesen. The house is filled with inspiring artworks and remains unchanged since Heinesen’s passing in 1991. In Klaksvík, the local art association, Norðoya Listafelag, holds exhibitions and events, whilst Gamla Seglhúsið is active in staging engaging, temporary exhibitions. In Vágur, a very fine selection of Ruth Smith’s works can be seen by appointment with the Ruth Smith Collection and in Leirvík in the Boat and Art Museum, you can view Jóannis Kristiansen’s impressionistic paintings. 

The Capital and nearby areas

Other Regional areas

History Museums

Someone once said that people who don’t know their past don’t truly know themselves.

In the Faroe Islands, we all know each other—and we have plenty of museums (and here we mean the kind with historical artefacts, not short story collections).

The difference between art museums and history museums is simple: art museums are about—well, art.
History museums, on the other hand, can be about just about anything.