The red-painted church at the centre of town is the world's northernmost church. Built in 1921 and reconstructed after being bombed in the Second World War, it is a working Lutheran parish church and a Longyearbyen landmark. During the polar night it glows warmly against the dark hillside; in summer the red stands out against the surrounding treeless slopes.
The church holds regular services and is open to visitors outside service hours. It also functions as the town's concert venue for larger events, including some Dark Season Blues performances.