Reflecting the geography of its surroundings – the sky, the harbour and the city of Reykjavík – Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre opened in May 2011 and is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Harpa has a glass facade made up of geometric shapes that change colour with the light of day.
Harpa boasts four halls, a 1.800-seat auditorium, ample meeting space, catering services, and boutiques. It also houses La Primavera restaurant for fine dining and a Hnoss, a ground floor bistro.
Harpa is a distinctive landmark in Reykjavik, and we recommend that you visit the hall. It offers a great view of Mount Esja and the Reykjavik harbor.
Design and construction of Harpa
Construction started in 2007 but halted because of the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis. The completion of the structure was uncertain until the government decided in 2008 to fully fund the rest of the construction costs for the half-built concert hall.
The building is the first purpose-built concert hall in Reykjavík. It was developed in consultation with artistic adviser Vladimir Ashkenazy and international consultant Jasper Parrott of HarrisonParrott.
The main designers are Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen Architects and Icelandic architectural firm Batteríið Architect in co-operation with the artist Ólafur Eliasson. The geometric shaped glass panels resemble natural basalt columns. You can view columns like that in many places in Iceland.
The European Union awarded Harpa for contemporary architecture in April 2013.
Opening hours
Harpa’s opening hours are as follows:
- Mondays at 10:00 AM-18:00 (6:00 PM)
- Tuesdays at 10:00 AM-18:00 (6:00 PM)
- Wednesdays at 10:00 AM-20:00 (8:00 PM)
- Thursdays at, 110:00 AM-20:00 (8:00 PM)
- Fridays at 10:00 AM-20:00 (8:00 PM)
- Saturdays at10:00 AM-20:00 (8:00 PM)
- Sundays at 10:00 AM-18:00 (6:00 PM)
What can you see in Harpa?
Harpa is a concert hall with unique architecture. There are scheduled guided tours where guests can see the concert halls and get a peek behind the curtains. Guests can also visit the art installation CIRCULEIGHT and the SAGA Virtual Reality experience. Tickets to these experiences can be purchased on-line or at Harpa. Of course, there are many great concerts and events held every week, so make sure you check the schedule by the ticket stand.
Is there an entry fee to Harpa?
No, it is free. However, the daily guided tours charge a minimal fee.
Where is Harpa?
Harpa is located next to Reykjavik harbour and is easily recognizable by its exterior design.
GPS: 64.150475 N, -21.932876 W
