Hallgrimskirkja (Hallgrimur’s Church) in Reykjavik
Designed by State Architect Guojon Samuelsson and commissioned in 1937, the church was imagined to resemble the mathematical symmetry of volcanic Basalt after it has cooled. Samuelsson also was the principal architect of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Reykjavik, as well as the Church of Akureyri and was strongly influenced by Scandinavian Modernism. Like his peers in other Nordic countries, Samuelsson wished to create a national style of architecture and strove to make the church look like a part of the Icelandic terrain, with the clean, minimalist lines common to Modernism.
The interior of Hallgrimskirkja is in stark contrast to the outside. Inside you will find more traditional high-pointed Gothic vaults and narrow windows. In fact, according to Samuelsson’s earliest renderings, Hallgrimskinkja was originally designed to be part of a much larger and grander Neo-Classical square, surrounded by institutes dedicated to the arts and higher learning. This design had striking similarities with the senate square in Helsinki. For whatever reason, nothing ever became of this grand design.
Construction on the church began in 1945 and ended 41 years later in 1986. Unfortunately, Samuelsson, who died in 1950, did not live to see the completion of his work. Although the church took years to complete, it was in use long before that.
In 1948, the Crypt under the choir was consecrated for use as a worship space. It served in this capacity until 1974, when the steeple was finished, along with both wings. The area was consecrated and the congregation moved there, enjoying more space and additional facilities.
Finally, in 1986, the Nave was consecrated on Reykjavik’s bicentennial day.
The church also boasts the largest organ in all of Iceland. Made by German organ builder Johannes Klais, this massive instrument stands an impressive 45 feet tall and weighs in at an unbelievable 25 tons. The organ was finished and installed in 1992 and mid-June through mid-August, it can be heard three times per week, both in the lunch hour and also for an evening concert, for an admission of Ikr2000 and Ikr 1700, respectively.
