Gamla bíó

The history of Gamla bíó

Gamla bíó has been part of Reykjavík's cultural life for nearly a century, from the earliest years of cinema in Iceland.

Built for Peter Petersen's cinema operation in 1926 and designed by builder Einar Erlendsson in a pure neoclassical style, Gamla bíó opened with its first screening, Ben Hur, on 2 August 1927.

The building is one of Reykjavík's notable examples of concrete neoclassicism and has retained much of its original character. In 1939 Petersen sold the house, and the Icelandic Opera later made it home from 1982 until 2011.

Following extensive renovations in 2014–2016, Gamla bíó continues today as a historic yet living event house for a new generation of guests, artists and organisers.

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