Reykjavík
Reykjavík cinema hub

Bíó Paradís Art-House Cinema

Explore Reykjavík’s home for independent films, documentaries, and local cinema culture.

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Iceland's premier independent cinema screens a diverse selection of contemporary art-house films, cult classics, documentaries, and national releases, complete with subtitles for international audiences.

Reykjavík's independent art-house cinema featuring international releases, cult classics, and Icelandic films with English subtitles.

Bíó Paradís
About Bíó Paradís Independent Cinema

As the premier independent art-house cinema in Reykjavík, Bíó Paradís serves as a lively cultural hub for film lovers. The venue screens a curated selection of contemporary international films, documentaries, and Icelandic cinema. With many screenings featuring English subtitles, it offers an accessible and welcoming experience for both local cinephiles and international visitors.

Exterior facade of Bíó Paradís cinema with red columns, large glass windows, and the venue sign with a star above the entrance
Admission and Ticket Information

Bíó Paradís operates as a paid-entry venue in Reykjavík, offering a variety of film screenings for local and international audiences. The cinema provides a standard ticket category for general admission alongside a specific ticket option for children aged 11 and younger. All visitors are required to purchase a ticket to access the screenings. Guests should check the program for details regarding specific film events and availability.

Standard Ticket

ISK 2,190.00

Children (ages 11 and under)

ISK 1,450.00

Aged 11 and younger

Visitor amenities at Bíó Paradís

Bíó Paradís provides practical services designed to enhance the film-going experience for all visitors. The cinema operates with timed showtimes for all screenings and offers limited support for language accessibility through scheduled subtitles on select films.

KAUPA

Available
Bíó Paradís Location in Reykjavík

Located on Hverfisgata in the heart of Reykjavík, Bíó Paradís serves as a central hub for film lovers and cultural events. This independent art-house cinema is easily accessible for visitors exploring the capital's vibrant downtown district. Its central location makes it a perfect stop to experience Icelandic films, international releases, and documentaries alongside the city's lively cultural scene.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Hverfisgata 54

101 Reykjavík

Capital Region, IS

Independent Cinema at Bíó Paradís

Bíó Paradís serves as the premier independent art-house cinema in Reykjavík, offering a vibrant cultural space for film enthusiasts. The venue specializes in showing curated contemporary international films, documentaries, and celebrated Icelandic productions. Visitors can experience a diverse program that features everything from lively cult classic party screenings to broadcasts from the National Theatre Live. By regularly providing English subtitles for Icelandic films, this welcoming theater ensures its unique screenings are fully accessible to international visitors.

Exterior facade of Bíó Paradís cinema with a black signboard displaying white text and a red star, red-framed windows with film posters, and a street lamp in front.

History of Bíó Paradís

Established in 2010, Bíó Paradís opened in central Reykjavík at the former Regnboginn multiplex site on Hverfisgata. The venue made its official debut that September with a screening of the documentary Backyard. After surviving a major rental crisis that threatened its closure in early 2020, a lease agreement allowed the venue to secure its future. The theater has since thrived as Iceland's primary **independent art-house cinema** and center for specialized film culture.

  • Established in 2010

    2010Founding

    Bíó Paradís was established as a cinema in central Reykjavík at Hverfisgata 54, replacing the former Regnboginn cinema which had served as the city's first multiplex.

  • Grand opening on 15 September 2010

    2010Opening

    The cinema officially opened to the public on 15 September 2010, marking its debut with a screening of the documentary Backyard, directed by Árni Sveinsson.

  • Threatened closure due to rental crisis

    2020Milestone

    In January 2020, the cinema faced a potential shutdown after laying off its staff, driven by a significant three-to-four-fold increase in property rental costs that were previously subsidized.

  • Agreement reached to maintain operations

    2020Milestone

    Following the closure threat earlier in the year, an agreement was reached with the property owners on 2 July 2020, ensuring the continued operation of the cinema and its reopening in September 2020.

  • Center for specialized film culture

    Cultural significance

    Bíó Paradís serves as a specialized venue for non-mainstream films, including international language cinema and documentaries, and acts as a primary host for major local events like the Reykjavík International Film Festival.

Latest museum updates from Bíó Paradís
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Reykjavík
Read the newest updates from Bíó Paradís, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Reykjavík.
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Bíó Paradís

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Bíó Paradís

Bíó Paradís is hosting live screenings of the FIFA World Cup matches on the big screen from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Join other football fans in the cinema to enjoy the action, special bar offers, and free popcorn with every drink purchase. Admission is free, making it a perfect spot for local football enthusiasts to experience the tournament atmosphere.

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Isle of Games Festival at Bíó Paradís

Isle of Games Festival at Bíó Paradís

Bíó Paradís hosts the Isle of Games festival, a celebration of games as an art form featuring music, talks, VR experiences, and live performances. The event includes family-friendly daytime activities and an adult-oriented evening program on May 23rd and 24th, 2026.

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Stjörnubíó film series at Bíó Paradís

Stjörnubíó film series at Bíó Paradís

Bíó Paradís, in collaboration with the Icelandic Film Archive, is hosting a special screening series featuring iconic Icelandic films previously showcased on the 'Stjörnubíó' television program. Visitors can enjoy a curated selection of celebrated national cinema classics screened monthly throughout the spring and summer season.

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Bíótekið Closing Event at Bíó Paradís

Bíótekið Closing Event at Bíó Paradís

Bíó Paradís celebrates the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Bíótekið season with a special screening event on Sunday, April 19. Visitors are invited to watch three distinct cinematic features, marking the end of this seasonal program.

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Bíó Paradís opening hours for Easter 2026

Bíó Paradís opening hours for Easter 2026

Plan your cinema visit to Bíó Paradís during the Easter holiday period. While the theater remains open for most of the holiday, please note that there is a scheduled closure on Easter Sunday.

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Stockfish Film Festival Returns to Bíó Paradís in March 2026

Stockfish Film Festival Returns to Bíó Paradís in March 2026

Bíó Paradís is proud to host the 12th edition of the Stockfish Film Festival from March 19th to 29th, 2026. This year's program features a curated selection of international award-winning films, innovative new voices in cinema, and unique artistic gems rarely seen on the big screen. Visitors are invited to explore a diverse lineup that pushes traditional cinematic boundaries.

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Bíó Paradís Recognized as Best of the Best in Reykjavík

Bíó Paradís Recognized as Best of the Best in Reykjavík

Bíó Paradís has been honored with the prestigious 'Best of the Best' title at the annual Best of Reykjavík awards. In addition to this top recognition, the beloved independent cinema was also named Best Cinema, celebrating its ongoing contribution to the local film community.

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The French Film Festival 2026 at Bíó Paradís

The French Film Festival 2026 at Bíó Paradís

Bíó Paradís hosts the 26th edition of the French Film Festival from January 23rd to February 1st, 2026. This year's program features a diverse selection of films, including special appearances by guest of honor Isabelle Huppert and a variety of side events like wine tastings and film discussions.

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Bíó Paradís Visitor FAQs & Helpful Tips

Wondering if you need fluent Icelandic to enjoy a film at Bíó Paradís in Reykjavík? Clear English subtitle labels have you covered, though you will have to skip calling ahead since their phone number is currently a mystery. Simply head straight to Hverfisgata 54 to get the inside scoop on listings and times!

What is the phone number for Bíó Paradís?

A public telephone number for Bíó Paradís is not currently provided in our visitor information.

How can I contact Bíó Paradís?

Contact options such as an email address or online form for Bíó Paradís are not currently available in our records.

What are the ticket prices for Bio Paradis?

Standard tickets for Bio Paradis are priced at 2,190 ISK. Children aged 11 and under can get tickets for 1,450 ISK.

How much does a standard admission ticket cost at Bio Paradis?

A standard ticket at Bio Paradis costs 2,190 ISK.

Tips for Visiting Bíó Paradís

When planning a visit to Bíó Paradís in Reykjavík, keeping a few key details in mind can help ensure a smooth movie-going experience. Screening schedules and film descriptions are fully bilingual, with details provided in both English and Icelandic. Since the cinema hosts a diverse selection of international and local films, subtitle availability varies depending on the specific screening. Visitors should look for the "ENG SUB" or "ICE SUB" markers displayed alongside showtimes to identify which subtitles are provided for each film.

Bíó Paradís: Ideal Visitors and Experience

Bíó Paradís in Reykjavík serves as an engaging cultural hub for film enthusiasts, particularly students, solo travelers, couples, and groups. The independent art-house cinema presents a diverse lineup of contemporary international films, documentaries, and cult classics, alongside theatrical broadcasts. For international visitors, many Icelandic films are screened with English subtitles, and the cinema provides bilingual information in English and Icelandic. This venue offers a welcoming environment for anyone looking to experience independent cinema in a local community setting.

Visual Preview of Bíó Paradís

The visual imagery of Bíó Paradís captures its welcoming, vibrant presence in Reykjavík. Photos of the independent art-house cinema show its distinctive street-level facade, highlighted by striking red window frames, an eye-catching sign with a red star logo, and displays of film posters. These exterior views showcase a lively urban cultural space, giving visitors an authentic preview of what to expect before attending a screening.

Exterior facade of Bíó Paradís cinema with a black signboard displaying white text and a red star, red-framed windows with film posters, and a street lamp in front.
Exterior facade of Bíó Paradís cinema with red columns, large glass windows, and the venue sign with a star above the entrance
Street-level view of the Bíó Paradís cinema building with 'Heimili Kvikmyndanna' signage above the entrance, bicycles and electric scooters parked on the sidewalk
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