Celebrating the Centenary of Independence and Sovereignty

On 1 December 2018, the Government of Iceland will host a cultural programme celebrating the centenary of Iceland as a sovereign country. The program will explore the past while focusing on the future.

The opening ceremony at the Government Offices in Lækjargata will recreate the 1918 celebrations with the forward-looking themes of youth, diversity, peace and sustainability. The surrounding streets will be closed to traffic to allow for the participation of the public.

Celebrations on 1 December will conclude with a gala performance at Harpa Concert Hall in the evening. Tickets will be available through a public lottery. The lottery will open today, 14 November, at the Harpa online box office and close on 22 November.

Cultural events and exhibits will be open to the public both in Reykjavik and around Iceland. Information on all events and programmes (in Icelandic only) is available at www.fullveldi1918.is and on social media: #fullveldisdagurinn & #fullveldi1918.

The programme may be subject to change. Full programme in Icelandic can be found here.

Selected events:

11:00 am – Students and Sovereignty: The Key to the Future
The National Associations of Icelandic Students is hosting events in five Universities around Iceland, with a view to renew the relationship between students and the concept of sovereignty. Creative programming will include a focus on innovation in education.

Venues: University of Iceland, Reykjavik University, Iceland University of the Arts, Agricultural University of Iceland, University of Akureyri.

1:00 pm – Government Offices (Stjórnarráðshúsið, Lækjargata)
Opening Ceremony of the Centenary Celebrations
Choirs and youth representatives will recreate the 1918 celebrations. Surrounding streets will be closed to traffic and open to the public.

2:00-6:00 pm – Events and exhibitions open to the public:

• 2:00 pm – Icelandic Museum of Natural History, Perlan
  The opening of a new interactive exhibition, Water in Icelandic Nature, emphasising the importance of water for the future prosperity of society.
• 2:30 pm – A Flag for a New Nation, Harpa
  A collection of flags linked to the original design of the Icelandic flag, mixed with modern versions by current designers.
• 2:30 pm – National Museum of Iceland (Suðurgata)
  All tickets sold on the day will include an annual membership as a gift to the Icelandic people on the occasion of the centenary of Iceland’s sovereignty. The recent redesign of the museum’s appearance reflects bolder colours associated with the national heritage. Young actors will offer guidance of current exhibits Making of a Nation and Churches of Iceland at 15:00.
• 4:00 pm – National Gallery of Iceland (Fríkirkjuvegur)
  The exhibition Blossoming is about Iceland’s 100 years as a sovereign state. The exhibition title references Halldór Laxness’ novel Independent People and, like that work, the exhibition explores a deep yearning for independence.

20:00 Harpa
Icelandic Sagas – a symphonic performative installation
A varied program of new and old music and art performances will include the winner of the centenary composition contest, a piece by Jóhann G. Jóhannsson. In the presence of the President of Iceland and the Queen of Denmark. The programme will be broadcast live on RÚV, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service.

22:00 The Theatre Cellar (at the National Theatre, Hverfisgata)
Improv and comedy show by Improv Iceland, Reykjavik Kabarett and more.