Harpa Concert Hall

Overview

Harpa is Reykjavík's award-winning concert hall and conference centre, perched on the edge of the old harbour. Its geometric glass façade, designed by Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen Architects, shifts colour with the light and seasons, making it one of northern Europe's most striking modern buildings.

Highlights

• The Glass Façade: Composed of 714 individual quasi-brick panels that refract light into kaleidoscopic patterns, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
• Main Concert Hall (Eldborg): A 1,800-seat auditorium with world-class acoustics, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.
• Free Foyer: The lobby is open to the public and worth visiting for its architecture, harbour views, and the gift shop.

History

Harpa opened in 2011 after a turbulent construction period that nearly stalled during Iceland's 2008 financial crisis. The government decided the half-finished building was too important to abandon, and it has since won the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture (Mies van der Rohe Award) in 2013.

Visitor Tips

• Guided Tours: Daily 30-minute tours explain the architecture and backstage areas.
• Events: The building hosts Iceland Airwaves, Dark Music Days, and numerous international acts year-round.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes for a walk-through; longer if attending a performance.