Church building under construction

Church building under construction

Lunchtime lectures in Hallgrímskirkja on Tuesdays in February and March 2026 at 12:00-13:00

On Tuesdays from 12:00–13:00, informative lectures are offered in Hallgrímskirkja under the title Church building under construction.

This time the lectures are related to the 40th anniversary of the dedication of Hallgrímskirkja. The architectural history of the church and its uniqueness will be discussed. The theological meaning of church buildings in general will also be discussed, as well as the soundscape of Hallgrímskirkja, the music associated with the church and the Hallgrím congregation.

February 24

The role of Rev. Karl Sigurbjörnsson, former bishop of Iceland, in the construction and consecration of Hallgrímskirkja.

Sr. Þorvaldur Karl Helgason, former bishop's secretary, discusses the role of Sr. Karl Sigurbjörnsson, former bishop of Iceland, in the construction and consecration of the church.

Sr. Karl served as parish priest in Hallgrím Parish for decades and left a deep mark on the history of the congregation.

Þorvaldur bases his discussion on fragments of Sr. Karl's memoirs in his book, Written in Sand, which was published at the end of last year.

March 3

Church buildings by Guðjón Samúelsson

Pétur Ármannsson, architect

The architect of Hallgrímskirkja, master builder Guðjón Samúelsson, holds a special place in Icelandic national history. He is the architect most people are familiar with, and his name automatically comes to mind when Icelandic architecture is mentioned. The design of church buildings was an important part of Guðjón's life's work; it is known for certain that he designed 42 churches. The talk will trace the development of his church buildings, from the first proposal for a church at Skólavörðuholt in 1916 to his ideas about the form and architectural style of the current Hallgrímskirkja.

March 10

Obvious but hidden

Dr. Sigurjón Árni Eyjólfsson, pastor

Discusses the church building: Obvious but hidden

March 17

The sound world of Hallgrímskirkja

Music has been an integral and important part of the work of Hallgrímskirkja since its beginning. The musical tradition of the church and the soundscape that has shaped its image will be discussed.

March 24

"Thanks be to my Lord"

Finally, the church's priests discuss the history of Hallgrímskirkja.

The discussion is based on Sigurður Pálsson's book, which was published in 2015, on the 75th anniversary of the Hallgríms Collection.

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA – YOUR PLACE