The Museum of Design and Applied Art holds regular exhibitions. Hitherto the Museum has held its temporary exhibitions in a small exhibition space at Garðatorg, Garðabær.  

The founding charter of the Museum of Design and Applied Art states that the Museum is to collect and preserve the part of Icelandic cultural history encompassing design, especially from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. 

Since its foundation in 1998 the Museum has received regular acquisitions. A large part of the collection comprises gifts during the Museum also strives to purchase objects of importance in Icelandic design history. In May 2010 the Museum moved to new premises at Garðatorg. 

This was a landmark event for the Museum as its exhibition program will be running regularly for public with three to four exhibitions per year.