Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
No trip to Reykjavík would be complete without a visit to the stunning Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Whether you’re keen to catch an unforgettable performance or simply want to appreciate the architecture of the building, make sure you pay a visit to Reykjavík’s cultural landmark on your next Icelandic trip.
Where is Harpa?
Harpa Concert Hall is situated in the centre of Reykjavík, and it’s pretty hard to miss due to its sheer size. All of the capital city’s main attractions are within walking distance of one another, including Harpa, so you can visit Laugavegur, The Sun Voyager sculpture and Hallgrímskirkja in one afternoon. It’s easily accessible by foot, bus, and by e-scooter within the city.
Address: Austurbakki 2, Reykjavík 101
Opening Hours
Mon - Thu: 10:00 - 18:00
Fri - Sat: 10:00 - 20:00
Sun: 10:00 - 18:00
The History of Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a fairly new building in Reykjavík. The concert hall officially opened its doors in May 2011 after construction began in 2007. This stunning building was the result of a collaboration between two architectural firms - the Icelandic firm, Batteríið Architects, and a Danish one called Henning Larsen Architects. The firms worked together with a famous Danish-Icelandic artist named Olafur Eliasson.
As an artist, Olafur Eliasson is known for marrying glass, light, and water in his work, which was ideal for the modern waterside building that would become Harpa Concert Hall. The end result was a striking building that indeed does reflect light and water in a point of visual centrality along Reykjavík’s seafront.
Even though Harpa Concert Hall is a fairly young building, it has already gained quite a reputation through excellence and awards. Among its many accolades, Harpa was named the best concert house of the new millennium by Gramophone Magazine. It has also won several awards for business and conference centres.
In addition to the many awards and instances of recognition gained over the years, the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is now the official home of the Icelandic Opera and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, as well as a number of ongoing festivals.
Harpa Concert Hall Architecture
Of all the spectacular buildings that inhabit Reykjavík, the Harpa Concert Hall is a classic example of contemporary architecture. Cool materials such as glass and steel were used to construct the building, although the building is anything but cold. The appearance was actually inspired by basalt crystals, which can be found aplenty in Iceland thanks to the island’s volcanic activity.
Geometry is another key element in the styling of Reykjavík’s Harpa Opera House. The sides and the glass panels are in varied shapes and angles, so that the building looks completely different based on what angle you’re viewing it from. Visitors across the world are fascinated by this feature of Iceland’s opera house.
Things To Do Near Harpa Concert Hall
A marvel from the outside, there is plenty to do once you arrive, whether it's just browsing products and enjoying coffee or exploring inside the curious structure.
Enjoy a Coffee or a Meal
Harpa has 2 restaurants on site, Hnoss on the ground floor and La Primavera Ristorante on the fourth floor. The fourth-floor restaurant offers beautiful views over the harbour, so definitely head here for something a little different. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Browse Icelandic Products
On the ground floor, you’ll find Rammagerðin. This small shop stocks crafts and unique souvenirs unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere, mostly created or designed by local Icelandic artists. This is a great way to take a real piece of Icelandic culture home with you.
Check Out The Circuleight Installation
For something more inspiring, why not explore Circuleight? An innovative art installation within the building. The installation is inspired by Icelandic nature, like much of the architecture of the city, as well as the music from Icelandic composer Högni Egilsson. You can purchase tickets on the website for this 20-minute experience.
Catch An Event At Harpa
Harpa Concert Hall is known for running a catalogue of exciting events throughout the year. In addition to ongoing Opera and Symphony performances, there are also one-off performances that visitors can enjoy should they so choose. Harpa is truly an exciting conference centre that also hosts dance performances, stand-up comedy, theatre, and more. Check out the upcoming performances at Harpa.
If you're hoping to enjoy a performance or two at Harpa Concert Hall on your visit to Reykjavík, book a room at one of our nearby hotels, such as Fosshotel Rauðará or Hotel Reykjavík Centrum.