Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one of the most iconic
landmarks in Reykjavík, located by
Reykjavík Harbour at the meeting point of city and sea.
Opened in 2011, Harpa has become a central venue for music, culture, and international events in Iceland.
The building is world-famous for its striking glass façade, composed of
geometric, multi-faceted panels inspired by Icelandic basalt columns and volcanic forms.
The façade creates a constantly changing interplay of light and colour that shifts with
weather, daylight, and the seasons.
Harpa was designed by Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with
artist Ólafur Elíasson, who created the distinctive glass skin together
with his studio. The building has received numerous international architecture awards
and is widely regarded as one of the finest modern cultural buildings in the Nordic countries.
The centre houses four concert halls, including Eldborg, the main hall
and home of the
Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Harpa also hosts conferences, exhibitions, festivals, restaurants, and cultural events
throughout the year.
Beyond its role as a performance venue, Harpa is a popular attraction for visitors.
Its open public spaces offer panoramic views over Faxaflói Bay, Mount Esja, and the
historic harbour area. Today, Harpa stands as a symbol of Reykjavík’s modern identity
and cultural renewal in the 21st century.
Harpa er menningarhjarta Reykjavíkur þar sem tónlist, listir og nútímalegur arkitektúr mætast.