Harpa, Reykjavik

Harpa, Reykjavik

Designed by visual artist Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, the Harpa is a breathtaking concert hall and conference centre in Reykjavík that is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.Located near the harbor, its façade featuring a lattice of glass panels is inspired by the landscape of Iceland and reflects the sky and sea.

Designed by visual artist Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects, the Harpa is a breathtaking concert hall and conference centre in Reykjavík that is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.

Located near the harbor, its façade featuring a lattice of glass panels is inspired by the landscape of Iceland and reflects the sky and sea. The foyer area in the front of the building leads to 4 halls in the middle (Eldborg, Silfurberg, Norðurljós, and Kaldalón), while the offices, administration, and changing room are at the back of the building. The largest hall, Eldborg can seat 1800 persons, and is bathed in red. It has hosted performances by international singers such as Bryan Adams, piano virtuoso Maria Joao Pires, orchestras such as Berliner Philhamoniker and London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Music festivals such as Iceland Airwaves, Sónar Reykjavik, and Reykjavik Jazz Festival attract tourists from all over the world. It also has an exhibition space and several smaller meeting rooms.

45 minute long guided tours of Harpa in English can be booked for ISK 2200. Tours are available at 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 and 17:30 during 15 May to 15 September. During the rest of the year, tours are conducted at 15:30 on weekdays, and 11:00 and 15:30 on weekends.