Nestled in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland, among its colourful buildings, quirky cafes, and rugged landscapes, lies a museum unlike any other in the world: the Icelandic Phallological Museum. More colloquially known as the Penis Museum, this one-of-a-kind institution is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and study of animal penises. With over 200 specimens from various species—including whales, seals, reindeer, and even a human—the museum is equal parts scientific curiosity, anatomical wonder, and outright oddity.
A Passion for Penises
The museum was founded in 1997 by Sigurður Hjartarson, a former teacher with an unusual hobby. It all started in the 1970s when Hjartarson was gifted a dried bull’s penis by a friend, and instead of politely discarding it, he found himself fascinated by the anatomical structure. Over time, more specimens were donated by friends and colleagues, eventually snowballing into a full-fledged collection. By the late 1990s, Hjartarson decided it was time to display his growing menagerie of mammalian members to the public, and thus, the Icelandic Phallological Museum was born.
His son, Hjörtur Gísli Sigurðsson, later took over as curator, ensuring that the museum continues to thrive as a unique cultural attraction. What started as a personal obsession has turned into one of Iceland’s most visited—and certainly most talked-about—museums.
The Collection: A Phallic Wonderland
The museum boasts an impressive collection of penises from over 200 different species, each carefully preserved in jars of formaldehyde or displayed in dried and mounted forms. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring (or daunting) exhibit is the sperm whale penis, measuring over 1.7 metres (5.5 feet) long and weighing nearly 70 kilograms. This enormous specimen dwarfs most others in the collection, though the museum also proudly displays the penises of smaller creatures, from hamsters to field mice.
A particular highlight of the collection is the display of various land mammal penises, including those of Arctic foxes, reindeer, and seals. Each specimen provides insight into the fascinating variations in shape, size, and function across the animal kingdom. There’s even a polar bear penis, which, despite the animal’s fearsome reputation, is relatively modest in size compared to some of the marine mammals in the collection.
Among the more legendary pieces in the museum is a supposed “hidden people” penis, representing Iceland’s mythical elves and trolls. Though obviously a tongue-in-cheek exhibit, it highlights the playful and slightly surreal nature of the museum.
The Human Specimen
One of the most controversial and talked-about exhibits in the museum’s history is its human penis specimen. For years, the museum sought a human donation to complete its collection, and in 2011, it received one from a deceased Icelandic man named Páll Arason, who had promised his member to the museum. However, the preservation process did not go entirely as planned, leaving the exhibit somewhat underwhelming. This has not deterred other potential donors, as several individuals worldwide have expressed interest in leaving their penises to the museum upon their passing.
More Than Just a Collection
Despite its novelty factor, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is more than just a bizarre tourist attraction. It serves as a serious research institution dedicated to educating visitors about mammalian biology, evolution, and reproduction. It sheds light on the anatomical adaptations of different species, offering an informative (if somewhat unconventional) perspective on the natural world.
Visitors are often surprised to learn about the intricate structures and functions of animal genitalia. For instance, some species, like cats, have barbed penises, while ducks have corkscrew-shaped ones. The museum also highlights the baculum, or penis bone, found in many mammals (but not humans), which allows for prolonged copulation in species that require it for reproduction.
The Museum Experience
A visit to the Icelandic Phallological Museum is an experience that balances fascination, education, and humour. The museum leans into its reputation with witty descriptions, phallic-themed souvenirs, and an unmistakable sense of playfulness. Gift shop offerings range from phallic-shaped chocolates to whimsical keychains, making for some of the most unique souvenirs one can find in Reykjavík.
The museum has also embraced digital culture, featuring in various documentaries and travel vlogs. It has gained a cult following among curious travellers, bachelorette parties, and those simply looking for an offbeat stop on their Icelandic adventure.
Why It Matters
Beyond the laughs and double entendres, the museum challenges taboos and sparks conversations about biology, gender, and human sexuality. It represents a collision of science and humour, where curiosity is encouraged and even the most serious topics are approached with a light-hearted touch.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum stands as a testament to the weird and wonderful corners of the human imagination. It proves that with enough passion, even the most eccentric interests can be turned into something educational, entertaining, and surprisingly profound. Whether you visit out of scientific curiosity, morbid fascination, or just for a good laugh, one thing is certain: it’s an experience you won’t forget.
