Harpa is Reykjavik's most striking modern building — a concert hall and conference centre on the harbour front designed by Henning Larsen Architects and Ólafur Elíasson (the Icelandic-Danish artist whose light installations have appeared in major museums worldwide). The building's facade is a geometric honeycomb of coloured glass panels (designed by Elíasson) that catch and reflect the Icelandic light in patterns that change continuously with the weather, the time of day, and the season.
The building opened in 2011 and was controversial — construction began during the 2008 financial crisis that collapsed Iceland's banking system, and completing the building became a statement of cultural defiance rather than economic prudence. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera are the resident companies, and the main hall (Eldborg, seating 1,800) has acoustics designed by Artec Consultants.
Verified Facts
Harpa opened in 2011, designed by Henning Larsen and Ólafur Elíasson
Construction continued through Iceland's 2008 financial crisis
The facade uses geometric coloured glass panels
Eldborg hall seats 1,800
Get walking directions
2 Austurbakki, Miðbær, Reykjavík, 101, Ísland
