Reykjavik Arts Festival will take place 30 May-14 June 2026.

Gallerí Kichin was founded by Skúli Thayer and Silja Rún Högnadóttir when they began their studies at the Iceland University of the Arts. The gallery is best known for its exhibition series Sculpture of the Week. During this exhibition period they will host six openings where the crème de la crème of the Icelandic art scene will present their works.

Reykjavík Arts Festival 2026 has now come to an end. Over 60 events across 16 days and more than 1,200 performers! We are grateful to our staff, volunteers, partners, festival guests, and all the outstanding artists who made this festival unforgettable.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary celebration, and we'll see you at Reykjavík Arts Festival 2028!

Thank you for coming to Reykjavík Arts Festival 2026

On Saturday, 30 May, the 35th edition of Reykjavík Arts Festival was officially opened with a celebratory ceremony at Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús. A large crowd gathered for the opening festivities, which featured music, dance, visual art, and a variety of performances offering a glimpse of the programme ahead. The day was marked by excitement, anticipation, and vibrant cultural activity throughout the city centre.

The festival now embarks on 16 days of artistic events, presenting around 60 programmes and performances of all kinds. Nearly 1,300 artists from Iceland and abroad are participating, creating a unique opportunity to experience contemporary art, music, performing arts, and creative projects for audiences of all ages.

One of the highlights of the day was the world premiere of Loftvægi by Samúel Jón Samúelsson at Harpa Square, where four Reykjavík school bands joined forces in a powerful performance involving nearly 600 young musicians. Visitors also enjoyed the aerial dance performance The Air Between Us, exhibitions in museums across the city, and a diverse programme that marked the beginning of the festival.

The day concluded with the opening of the Reykjavík Arts Festival Hub at Iðnó. Outside the venue, the participatory artwork Fragile (Brothætt) began, inviting visitors to transform broken objects into a collective artwork throughout the duration of the festival. Inside the Festival Hub, the dance work Move With Pride by Rebecca “Ondina” Hidalgo, created in collaboration with the Iceland Dance Company, received its premiere. Combining dance, music, and personal storytelling, the performance was a spectacular and moving experience that captivated audiences. The venue was packed and the atmosphere electric as the work set the tone for a lively opening night and an exciting programme at the Festival Hub throughout the festival.

Reykjavík Arts Festival 2026 has started

Eyrarrósin, a recognition for outstanding cultural projects outside the capital area, was presented for the seventeenth time on Sunday 16 May.

Handbendi receives the Eyrarrósin Award 2021

Handbendi receives the Eyrarrósin Award 2021

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Finissage in Kling & Bang

Thank you for coming to Reykjavík Arts Festival 2026

Reykjavík Arts Festival 2026 has started