A bureaucrat from a completely different point of view - the sculpture by Magnús Tómasson from 1973 was originally carefully hidden in a backyard, because this location was intended to …

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Willem VS

May 31, 2024

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The statue Óþekkti Embættismaðurinn, or the Unknown Official, is an iconic work of art in Reykjavik. It was created in 1994 by local sculptor Magnús Tómasson. The statue shows a man in a suit with a briefcase, whose upper body is covered with a large piece of Icelandic volcanic basalt. It is a satirical tribute to the country's numerous bureaucrats who serve their country and keep it running. The statue, originally placed in a backyard, has now been moved to a prominent location in front of the Iðnó and the City Hall.

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Beyond the Horizon

October 5, 2023

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A man with a huge boulder that stands in place of his head. A creation by the artist Magnús Tómasson from 1973: the Óþekkti Embættismaðurinn, the "unknown bureaucrat".

The original location of this sculpture - hidden in a backyard - testifies to a subtle humor that addresses the often invisible and yet so present existence of bureaucracy. This game of hide-and-seek was ended when the unknown bureaucrat was given its current prominent place, where he silently observes the passers-by, his face hidden behind the massive rock.

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3. Harpa Concert Hall – Hallgrímskirkja loop from Hlíðar

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Elevation 70 m

Weather

Today

Friday 6 February

4°C

-2°C

26 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

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The Unknown Bureaucrat

1. Harpa Concert Hall – Sun Voyager (Sólfar) Sculpture loop from Hlemmur

2. Grótta Lighthouse – Tjörnin Pond loop from Skuggahverfi

3. Harpa Concert Hall – Hallgrímskirkja loop from Hlíðar

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