Venues in Iceland - #5

Gamla bío

Like Iðno, this venue also has a long history.

Gamla bíó (Old cinema) is one of the most significant buildings in Reykjavík. The façade of the building and the public space have been preserved in their original form, although the presentation of the hall has changed somewhat over the years. It was a cinema from 1939 until 1981 when the Icelandic Opera acquired it. I saw a matinee concert of opera selections there in 2004 when it still had its original seats and decor—it was creaky but charming. After the big Harpa performance complex opened in 2011, the interior of Gamla bíó was redone, tastefully, but the old fixed seats and slanted floor are gone. It now hosts concerts and events, the facility is truly a multi-use venue. There is even a rooftop bar in what used to be the old caretakers digs. I managed to catch a couple of sets there in 2018 at the Iceland Airwaves festival. The lighting and stage set-up was great, but it was a bit of an audio torture test: basically a big concrete box, and the bands were LOUD! There is a cool balcony, however. Here is a shot of Between Mountains:

And one of Kiriyama Family:

Something lost and something gained, I guess.