Hallgrímskirkja marks 40 years with celebrations on 26 October

Hallgrímskirkja marked its 40th anniversary celebrations in Reykjavik on 26 October 2026, forty years after the church was consecrated. The programme combined an architect's lecture, an exhibition and a new illustrated history of the building.

Hallgrímskirkja anniversary programme brought art and history together

The church's anniversary programme took place around the 26 October milestone. Architect Andrés Narfi Andresson delivered a special lecture on the building's origins, architecture and place in Reykjavik's urban landscape, as reported by RUV's anniversary report.

The celebrations also included an exhibition of paintings by Ingi Hrafn Stefansson. The exhibition, titled Hallgrímskirkja in Colour in English, presented the church as a recurring subject in the artist's work. The church's own illustrated history of the church was commissioned from artist Halldor Baldursson for the anniversary.

Reykjavik church history shaped the 2026 celebrations

The anniversary looked back to 26 October 1986, when Hallgrímskirkja was formally consecrated after more than forty years of construction. Work began in 1945, and architect Gudjon Samuelsson was responsible for the church's original exterior design.

The building's history helps explain the programme's emphasis on architecture and visual culture. Its tower was completed in 1968, while the church's large Klais concert organ was commissioned in 1992 and remains part of its musical life. The anniversary therefore connected the building's long construction story with the arts programme that continues inside it.

Visitors found a working church during the anniversary week

The church is both a visitor attraction and an active place of worship. RUV reported that ceremonies can affect access, with queues forming and visitors sometimes unable to enter while events are taking place.

The anniversary exhibition and lecture were cultural activities at the church, not a permanent change to its visitor arrangements. A planned artwork by Ólafur Elíasson for the tower was mentioned during the celebrations, but no opening date had been announced.

Visiting Hallgrímskirkja: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The anniversary programme took place at Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik around 26 October 2026, including the anniversary lecture and the exhibition.
• Visitors should expect access to be affected when ceremonies or cultural events occupy the church; RUV reported that tourists can be unable to enter during such occasions.
• The church stands on Skolavorduholt above central Reykjavik, with Hallgrimstorg and the statue of Leifur the Lucky beside it.
• The tower is 70.5 metres high and has a 4-metre cross, making steps and elevated viewpoints part of the visit.
• Iceland's official language is Icelandic and its national currency is the Icelandic krona.
• 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

What happened at Hallgrímskirkja on 26 October 2026?

The church marked the 40th anniversary of its consecration with a programme of celebrations, including an architect's lecture and an exhibition.

What is Hallgrímskirkja?

It is a Lutheran church in Reykjavik whose construction began in 1945 and whose tower was completed in 1968.

Where is Hallgrímskirkja and how do you get there?

It stands on Skolavorduholt beside Hallgrimstorg in Reykjavik, Iceland, near the statue of Leifur the Lucky.