The museum displays the works of the Icelandic artist Einar Johnson, who in 1909 donated all his works to the general public on the condition that a private museum be built for it. This request was not accepted until 1914 AD, as the Icelandic parliament paid 10,000 crowns and collected another 20,000 From a group of donors, in appreciation of the arts of their country, the site was chosen by the artist himself at the highest point in the city on the plateau, and he designed it and helped build it. The place was not only to display his works, but also served as a home for him.