Overview
About Hallgrimskirkja
Architecture and construction
State architect Guðjón Samúelsson began the design in 1937, drawing on forms associated with Icelandic columnar rock, mountains and glaciers. Construction started in 1945 and proceeded in stages. Congregational worship first took place in the consecrated choir basement in 1948; the completed church was consecrated on 26 October 1986. Private contributions and church funds supplied about two-thirds of the construction cost.
A working church and cultural venue
The 73-metre tower serves as a city viewpoint and has also been used for radio and telephone broadcasting. The building continues to support parish worship, choirs, organ music and concerts. Its dedication connects monumental twentieth-century architecture with Iceland's hymn-writing tradition. Many artworks and church furnishings were donated by individuals and organisations, often as memorial gifts.
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