Cultural treasures at Kjarvalsstaðir survive basement flooding

Heavy rain in the capital area yesterday caused water to flood into the basement of Kjarvalsstaðir, where the Reykjavík Art Museum stores part of its collection.

According to Ólöf Kristín Sigurðardóttir, director of the Reykjavík Art Museum, the artworks themselves escaped largely undamaged, though minor damage occurred to the frames and fittings of some pieces.

“Water entered the basement here at Kjarvalsstaðir, both where artworks are stored and where various equipment and workspaces are located,” Sigurðardóttir said.

“The water came up through drains at two locations outside the building. There was some minor impact on frames and such, but the artworks themselves escaped incredibly well,” she told mbl.is.

All hands on deck

Staff immediately began removing the water and drying the affected areas.

“It’s all hands on deck. Our hearts are with what we’re preserving and ensuring that no further damage occurs to our cultural heritage,” she said.

Sigurðardóttir noted that to her knowledge, no similar incident has happened before at Kjarvalsstaðir.

“The rainfall was so intense, sudden, and heavy that the system simply couldn’t handle it. We’ve heard that similar problems cropped up in several parts of the city,” she explained.

Clogged drain outside

According to her, a blockage in a drain outside the building also contributed to water backing up through the floor drains.

“There was a very efficient group here working to clear the water, and it went incredibly well. The fire department was busy all over the city, but they still came and helped us at the final stretch,” the director said.

The current focus is on ensuring that no moisture damage develops in the aftermath of the flooding.