Poetry on municipal land: New work at the Customs House
A poem by Sigurður Pálsson (1948-2017) was unveiled at Tollhúsið (Custom’s House) on Tryggvagata.
Since Reykjavík received the UNESCO City of Literature designation in 2011, one of its main projects has been showcasing literary history on municipal land. Throughout the city, literary displays, signs and markers can be found at sites of literary significance, where residents and visitors can learn about Reykjavík poets, stories and the connections between poetry and the city's surroundings.
The City of Literature has worked with the Department of Environment & Planning for years to embed literary texts in streets, sidewalks and other city spaces. The goal is to celebrate Reykjavík's rich literary heritage, honor poets, promote language awareness, encourage poetry and create a welcoming urban environment, in keeping with the city's status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Examples of such public art installations include text by Vilborg Dagbjartsdóttir at the stone pier on Kolabraut, quotes from Jóhann Sigurjónsson's play Fjalla-Eyvindur at the National Theatre and a poem by Þorsteinn frá Hamri that decorates the stairs at Óðinstorg.
Now a new work joins the collection as a poem by Sigurður Pálsson (1948-2017) has been installed at the Customs House on Tryggvagata. Sigurður's poems always show a keen eye for the city's rhythm, the changing lives of its residents and the tension between memory and future on streets and squares. Sigurður was a prominent figure in Reykjavík's cultural life and contributed to shaping the city through both arts and public discourse.
Skúli Helgason, chair of Reykjavík City's Culture and Sports Committee, spoke at the unveiling ceremony. Author Ragnar Helgi Ólafsson discussed Sigurður's significance as a Reykjavík poet and read his poetry.
