Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Center
Harpa is Reykjavik’s striking concert hall and conference center, renowned for its unique architecture and cultural significance. Opened in 2011, Harpa quickly became one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, featuring a dazzling glass façade designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson. The design of the building was inspired by Iceland's dramatic landscapes, with its geometric glass panels reflecting the sky, sea, and city, creating a constantly changing play of light and color.
Harpa is not only a visual marvel but also a vibrant hub for Reykjavik’s cultural scene. It hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, opera, theater performances, and international conferences. The main concert hall, Eldborg, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and has welcomed performances by world-class musicians and orchestras. The building also houses smaller halls, exhibition spaces, restaurants, and shops, making it a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Situated by the old harbor, Harpa offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, adding to its allure as a cultural and architectural gem. Whether attending a performance or simply exploring the building’s captivating design, Harpa provides a memorable experience for anyone visiting Reykjavik.
Facts & Figures
- Location: Reykjavik, on the waterfront close to Old Harbor
- Height: 43 meters (141 feet)
- Function: Concert hall and conference center
- Architectural Style: Contemporary and High-tech architecture
- Construction Started: January 12, 2007
- Opened: May 4, 2011
- Architects: Designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson
- Seats: Largest concert venue in Iceland with 1,800 seats
- Awards: Won the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2013 for contemporary architecture
History & Architecture of Harpa
The history of Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre dates back to the mid-2000s, when the plans for the new cultural venue in Reykjavik gained momentum. On January 12, 2007, construction finally began on the ambitious idea of making the hall one of the most advanced facilities for concerts, events, and conferences. However, it faced major challenges connected with the world events in 2008, which led to delays and put its future in question. The Icelandic government nonetheless intervened to ensure the project was completed, since Harpa was also a symbol of resilience and cultural pride.
Opened on May 4, 2011, it has been one of Reykjavik's most iconic structures ever since. Its modernistic architecture and high-tech equipment are a testament to the vision of Henning Larsen Architects and the artistic input of Ólafur Elíasson, an internationally recognized Icelandic-Danish artist. Most strikingly, perhaps, the influence of Elíssson can be seen in the building's stunning facade, comprising geometric glass panels that reflect and refract light in dazzling patterns. Drawing from nature for inspiration, mimicked are the appearances of basalt columns, common in Iceland's volcanic landscapes, such as at Svartifoss Waterfall at Skaftafell National Park.
It features a facade with a series of colored and clear glass hexagonal panels atop each other, giving the shimmering impression that continually changes with the light of day and changes in seasons. This glass design lets visitors take in great views of the harbor and surrounding mountains, making the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík Iceland an impressive architectural achievement both inside and outside.
What to Do at Harpa Today
Nowadays, Harpa works as a dynamic cultural venue, providing any kind of activity for its guests-from attending concerts and conferences to simply admiring the architectural masterpiece. Guided in-house tours are also available, showing both the architectural marvels and feats and the cultural importance of Harpa.
Concerts
Harpa is the biggest concert hall in Iceland, a home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. It contains four big concert halls; the main hall seats 1,800 people, with acoustically perfect design for the best listening experience. Harpa regularly offers performances of the best local and international artists, starting with classical music, opera performances, or contemporary rock and pop concerts.
Conferences
Apart from being a concert hall, Harpa is the most important conference center in Iceland, with literally hundreds of events hosted by both nationals and internationals alike. Many conferences on significant issues such as public health, women's rights, and climate change are hosted here regularly, some of which have gained international attention. Another kind of interesting event that Harpa still arranges is the ones related to entertainment: for example, EVE Online Fanfest, which is attended with huge participation on the part of gamers every year. Apart from this, corporate meetings of Icelandic firms and international ones, exhibitions and other events are held within Harpa, so Harpa is deeply involved in the business life of Reykjavik along with its cultural life.
The in-house tours therefore go highly recommended to anyone interested in architecture and music. It provides insight into the unique design of Harpa, its myriad artistic influences, and the technical mastery in acoustics.
Location
Harpa is situated on the coastline of Reykjavik, facing the sea and harbor around it. The location of the facility is prime and therefore accessible to visitors touring the city center. Harpa is externally adjacent to the Old Harbor a part of Reykjavík Harbor, from where you can join whale watching tours or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of restaurants and cafes. The proximity to the sea, combined with the building’s glass facade, allows for spectacular reflections of the water and sky, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
- GPS Coordinates: 64°09'01.2"N 21°55'56.3"W
Getting to Harpa is easy, thanks to its central location in Reykjavik. Whether you’re walking from the city center or arriving by car, Harpa is just a short distance away from major hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Public transportation options, including buses, provide easy access, while those driving can find parking in the underground garage directly beneath the building.