reykjavik

Harpa — Reykjavík's Glass Concert Hall

About Harpa — Reykjavík's Glass Concert Hall

Harpa contains four concert halls: Eldborg (main hall, 1,800 seats), Silfurberg (conference hall, 750 seats), Norðurljós (Northern Lights hall, 450 seats) and Kaldalón (flexible black-box space, 200 seats). The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera are resident companies. The building's facade consists of over 10,000 irregularly shaped glass panels supported by a steel framework. The panels are tinted in shades of green, gold and orange, and the entire surface shimmers and changes colour as the light changes throughout the day. At night, LED lights embedded in the facade create dramatic colour-shifting effects visible across the harbour. Visitors can explore the public areas for free: the main foyer, the harbour-side terrace, the upper-level walkways with views over the city. There's also a shop, a café, and the excellent Kolabrautin restaurant on the top floor.

🐉 The Iceberg That Saved Iceland

Harpa was half-built when Iceland's economy collapsed in 2008. Finishing it was controversial — but it became the symbol of Iceland's recovery and renewal.

📖 History of Harpa — Reykjavík's Glass Concert Hall

Harpa was designed 2005–2007 and construction began in 2007. The 2008 financial crash halted work with the building half-finished. After heated national debate, the government decided to complete it, and Harpa opened 4 May 2011. The opening concert featured the Iceland Symphony Orchestra performing works by Icelandic composers. The building has since won multiple international architecture awards including the 2013 Mies van der Rohe Award.

💡 Did You Know?

The glass facade was inspired by the geometric basalt columns found all over Iceland — the same hexagonal structure appears in the glass panels at Harpa.

Key Facts

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Over 10,000 glass panels on the facade

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Main concert hall seats 1,800

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Opened 2011 after financial crash delay

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Winner of 2013 Mies van der Rohe Award

💎 Hidden Gems

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The Harbour Terrace at Sunset

The outdoor terrace on the harbour side is free to access and has arguably the best sunset view in central Reykjavík — especially when the glass facade is glowing.

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The LED Light Show

On dark winter evenings the facade's LED lights create slow-shifting colour patterns — stand on the harbour and watch for 10 minutes. It's mesmerising.