The permanent exhibition in Turnhúsið/The Tower House

In 2026, the permanent exhibition in Turnhúsið/The Tower house was partially renovated. The exhibition is on the first floor of the building and there you can see artifacts related to the development of Ísafjörður as a fishing village and a market town.

Turnhúsið, built in 1784, houses an exhibition that traces the development of Ísafjörður from a fishing village into a thriving town.

On the ground floor, the focus is on modern Ísafjörður as it emerged in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore stories of everyday town life, the labour movement, the surrounding region, and the boats that brought goods, innovations, and new ideas to the community.

The second floor explores the impact of the town’s growth during the period from 1950 to 1970, an era characterized by increased catches, technological advances, and the expansion of fishing grounds. One side features original furnishings, including kitchenware, children's toys, and everyday household items that bring mid-20th-century family life to life. The other side highlights the various industries that drove the town’s economic development.

On the top floor, visitors can view scale models of boats from the region, along with accordions that once filled their cabins with music, reflecting an important aspect of the cultural life of local fishermen.

And as the name of the house indicates, on top of the roof is a small tower.