Reykjavík: Multi-Sensory Art Installation Chromo Sapiens

Explore the Vibrant World of Chromo Sapiens in Reykjavík

The Chromo Sapiens experience in Reykjavík offers a unique artistic journey that blends color, sound, and tactile sensations. For $22 per person, visitors are invited to walk through three colorful caves crafted from Icelandic artist Shoplifter’s synthetic hair extensions. This 1-hour activity is designed to stimulate all your senses, making it an engaging escape from the ordinary. Located at Höfuðstöðin, the installation is perfect for those seeking an unconventional art experience that is both playful and thought-provoking.

What makes this tour especially compelling is its multi-sensory approach—it’s not just visual but also auditory and tactile. It’s suitable for a wide range of visitors, especially those interested in contemporary art or looking for a memorable activity in Reykjavík. Keep in mind, no need for prior bookings or time slots: walk-ins are welcome every day, and the activity begins whenever you arrive. The $22 ticket includes a free coffee or soft drink, adding a relaxing touch to your visit.

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Key Points

• Price: $22 per person, including a free drink
• Duration: Valid for 1 hour from the first activation
• Location: Höfuðstöðin in Reykjavík, a historic site with a gift shop, café, and event space
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and no need for advance reservations
• Highlights: Three colorful caves designed from synthetic hair extensions, immersive soundscapes from Icelandic band HAM
• Unique feature: Visitors enter as homo sapiens and leave transformed into Chromo Sapiens

The Setting at Höfuðstöðin in Reykjavík

The Höfuðstöðin building adds a historical layer to the experience. Originally used as army barracks during WWII and later as potato nurseries, this site was restored and opened as a cultural venue in 2022. Its location in Reykjavík makes it easily accessible, and the main entrance is clearly marked for walk-ins. Inside, visitors find an inviting space that combines artistic innovation with local history, making it a fitting backdrop for the Chromo Sapiens installation.

The venue itself houses a gift shop, café & bar with outdoor seating, and an event space that supports this contemporary art piece. The environment complements the experimental nature of the caves, creating a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere for exploration.

Encounter the Art of Shoplifter / Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir

Shoplifter, the Icelandic artist behind Chromo Sapiens, debuted this installation at the Venice Biennale in 2019 to critical acclaim worldwide. Known for her signature use of synthetic hair extensions, she transforms simple materials into vibrant landscapes that challenge perceptions of space and color. Her work in Chromo Sapiens surrounds visitors with soundscapes created by HAM, Iceland’s renowned band, heightening the sensory experience.

The installation’s large-scale caves invite visitors to explore their inner worlds, making the art both personal and immersive. The concept is playful yet profound: as you walk through, you shed your human perspective and emerge as a Chromo Sapiens—a new, colorful version of yourself.

Walking Through the Three Colorful Caves

The core of Chromo Sapiens lies in its three distinct caves, each crafted from Shoplifter’s signature synthetic hair material. These caves are designed to surround your horizon with a vivid palette and rich textures that stimulate tactile senses. As you move from one to the next, you experience different soundscapes from HAM, enriching the visual stimulation with auditory layers.

Each cave provides a different environment, encouraging you to lose your sense of time and space. The sensory engagement aims to explore your inner landscape, making the journey feel personal and transformative. Since no specific time slots are needed, visitors can simply arrive, enjoy the experience at their own pace, and leave when finished.

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Logistics and Accessibility in Reykjavík

This activity begins at the main entrance of Höfuðstöðin and ends back at the same point, making it a straightforward outing. Because it’s wheelchair accessible, it accommodates visitors with mobility needs. The walk-in policy allows flexibility, so there’s no need to book in advance—just show up during opening hours and enjoy the experience.

The location’s history adds a layer of interest, and the venue’s facilities—including the café and gift shop—provide opportunities to relax before or after the installation. The activity is designed to be valid for 1 hour from the first activation, giving enough time to fully engage with the artwork and soundscapes.

The Experience of Soundscapes from HAM

Complementing the visual and tactile elements are soundscapes from the Icelandic band HAM, which fill each cave. The music enhances the immersive quality of Chromo Sapiens, helping visitors lose track of time and deepen their sensory exploration. This integration of sound and visuals exemplifies the multi-sensory intent behind the installation.

The presence of music adds a calming or energizing atmosphere, depending on how you perceive the environment. It also underscores the Icelandic identity of the artwork, connecting local culture with contemporary art practices.

The Transformation: From Homo Sapiens to Chromo Sapiens

The overarching theme of the installation is personal transformation. Visitors begin as homo sapiens, but after experiencing the caves’ sensory stimulation, they exit as Chromo Sapiens—a colorful, altered version of themselves. This concept emphasizes the power of art to reshape perceptions and ignite creativity.

While the journey is primarily sensory, the symbolic aspect of shedding old identity and embracing a vibrant new self resonates deeply. The playful nature of walking through the caves combined with the profound idea of transformation makes this experience memorable.

Pricing and What’s Included

For $22, visitors receive entry to the Chromo Sapiens installation and a complimentary coffee or soft drink. The ticket provides unlimited access within the valid time period, allowing guests to explore the caves at their leisure. It’s an affordable option for an engaging, art-based activity in Reykjavík.

Not included are food and alcoholic beverages or gift shop items, which are available separately. The overall value lies in the unique sensory experience and the opportunity to participate in a piece of internationally acclaimed contemporary art.

Critical Review: Strengths and Limitations

The 3.9-star rating based on 13 reviews suggests that most visitors find Chromo Sapiens a compelling experience. Review comments highlight its uniqueness and the enjoyment of the free drink token. The installation’s large scale and multisensory design stand out as notable strengths.

However, some may find the duration or sensory intensity less engaging over time, or prefer more interactive elements. Since the experience is not physically demanding and is wheelchair accessible, it suits a broad audience, including those with mobility restrictions.

Final Thoughts on the Chromo Sapiens Tour in Reykjavík

Chromo Sapiens offers a creative and sensory-rich activity that stands apart from traditional museum visits. The combination of visual art, sound, and tactile stimuli makes it especially appealing for those interested in contemporary art or seeking a novel way to spend an hour in Reykjavík.

The reasonable price, easy access, and flexible timing make it an attractive option for a quick cultural break. While it may not be suitable for visitors expecting a historical or educational tour, it provides an entertaining and thought-provoking experience that can inspire a new appreciation for sensory art.

If you enjoy interactive installations and want to see how art can transform perceptions, Chromo Sapiens at Höfuðstöðin is well worth the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior booking necessary for Chromo Sapiens?
No, walk-ins are accepted every day, and no specific time slots are needed.

How long does the experience last?
The activity is valid for 1 hour from the first activation.

What does the ticket include?
The $22 ticket includes entry to the installation and a free coffee or soft drink.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, Höfuðstöðin and the installation are wheelchair accessible.

Where do I start the experience?
Please enter through the main door of Höfuðstöðin, and the activity concludes at the same point.

Can I visit this experience multiple times?
Since the experience is valid for 1 hour from activation, multiple visits would depend on timing and personal preference.

Are there any additional costs?
Food, alcoholic beverages, and gift shop items are not included in the ticket price and are paid separately.

What makes Chromo Sapiens different from other art experiences in Reykjavík?
Its multi-sensory approach combining visual, tactile, and auditory elements, along with the themed transformation into Chromo Sapiens, sets it apart.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While specific age restrictions are not noted, the sensory stimulation is generally suitable for most ages, but parents should consider individual sensitivities.

How do I find Höfuðstöðin?
It is located in Reykjavík, in a restored historic building formerly used as army barracks, now serving as a cultural hub with clear signage at the main entrance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby