Grandi – Fishpacking District

Overview

Grandi is a former fish-packing quarter on the western side of the Old Harbour that has reinvented itself as Reykjavík's trendiest creative district. Converted warehouses now house galleries, design studios, craft breweries, and some of the city's best food experiences.

Highlights

• Marshall House: A multi-storey arts complex hosting the Living Art Museum, Gallery Kling & Bang, and Ólafur Elíasson's studio.
• Food & Drink: Artisan bakeries, chocolate workshops, and the Bryggjan Brugghús craft brewery.
• Street Art: Large-scale murals on warehouse walls add colour to the industrial landscape.

History

For most of the 20th century, Grandi was an industrial zone dominated by fish-processing plants and boat-repair yards. As the fishing industry consolidated, the city rezoned the area for mixed use, and from around 2010 artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs began transforming the empty warehouses.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 1.5–2 hours to explore galleries, studios, and grab a bite.
• Getting There: A 10-minute walk west from Harpa along the harbour.
• Combine With: FlyOver Iceland, the Saga Museum, and the Maritime Museum.