Harpan

Background

History & Background

Construction of Harpa began in 2007 and the building officially opened in May 2011. The project was developed by the Icelandic government and the City of Reykjavík as the first purpose-built concert hall in the capital. The building quickly became a symbol of Iceland’s cultural recovery following the financial crisis and today serves as one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks.

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one of Reykjavík’s defining modern landmarks. Opened in 2011 on the waterfront, the building was designed by Henning Larsen Architects with Batteríið Architects, while its geometric glass façade was developed in collaboration with artist Ólafur Elíasson. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and hosts concerts, conferences, festivals and other events. Much of the public interior can be explored without attending a performance, making the building itself a worthwhile stop for architecture, harbour views and changing light across the glass façade.