Hallgrímskirkja marks 40 years on 25 October
Published on 09/27/2026 at 15:35 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík marks the 40th anniversary of its consecration with a festive service and exhibitions on 25 October 2026. The programme at the landmark church includes new art about the building and its history.
Hallgrímskirkja anniversary programme runs on 25 October
The church's autumn programme places the anniversary on Sunday, 25 October 2026. A festive service will be held at 11am, followed by the opening of two exhibitions inside the church, according to the official autumn programme.
Hallgrímskirkja in Colour is an exhibition by artist Ingi Hrafn Stefánsson. Hallgrímskirkjurefill, by Halldór Baldursson, presents an illustrated history of the church. The same date also carries a concert by the church choir, with the programme listing the release of its first full-length album of new Icelandic sacred music.
Two exhibitions connect Hallgrímskirkja with its history
The anniversary falls one day before the 40th anniversary of the church's consecration on 26 October 1986. Construction began in 1945, while the choir cellar was consecrated as a church hall in 1948 and a new church hall opened in the south wing of the tower in 1974.
State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson began designing the church in 1937. The building's 73-metre tower rises above central Reykjavík and remains a defining part of the city skyline. The anniversary exhibitions therefore address both the building as a place of worship and its continuing cultural role.
From worship to concerts, the October schedule expands
The anniversary is part of a wider programme running through October. A series of lunchtime lectures begins on 6 October, with sessions examining the church's architecture, ideas and history. Architect Andrés Narfi Andrésson is scheduled to give a special anniversary lecture at 5pm on 22 October.
The church also lists a family service on 18 October and a Hallgrímur service with music on 21 October. These events place the 25 October celebration within a week of worship, lectures, music and visual art rather than treating the anniversary as a single ceremony.
Visiting Hallgrímskirkja: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The anniversary service and exhibition openings take place at Hallgrímskirkja on 25 October 2026. The choir concert is listed for 5pm on the same date.
- Access may be restricted during services, ceremonies and concerts. The exhibitions follow the festive service, so the nave and tower may not be available in the same way throughout the day.
- The venue is at Hallgrímstorg 1 in central Reykjavík, on Skólavörðuholt. It is within walking distance of the city centre and accessible by public transport, as stated in the Reykjavík visitor information.
- The church nave is wheelchair accessible. An elevator reaches the eighth floor of the tower, while the open-air viewing platform requires a short staircase from that level.
- Icelandic is the official language and the national currency is the Icelandic króna.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Hallgrímskirkja
When does the 40th anniversary take place at Hallgrímskirkja?
The anniversary programme takes place on 25 October 2026, with a festive service at 11am and exhibitions opening afterwards.
What is Hallgrímskirkja?
It is a Lutheran parish church and national shrine in central Reykjavík. Construction began in 1945 and the church was consecrated on 26 October 1986.
Where is Hallgrímskirkja and how do you get there?
The church stands at Hallgrímstorg 1 on Skólavörðuholt in central Reykjavík. It can be reached on foot from the city centre or by public transport.
