‘Harpa’ Concert Hall, Reykjavík, Iceland.

Harpa, Reykjavík, Iceland.

Sparkling by the water, beside the old harbour and facing out towards the North Atlantic is the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. ‘Harpa’ is Icelandic for Harp.

The spectacular building opened in May 2011 and stands out as a unique modern landmark in the vibrant city of Reykjavík, Iceland – the World’s most northerly Capital. The design was influenced by Iceland‘s magnificent and breathtaking nature and landscape. The building is a gleaming colourful sculpture that captures and reflects the colourful life of the Icelandic Capital.

Harpa was designed by Danish Firm Henning Larsen Architects in co-operation with visual artist Olafur Eliasson. The modern glass outdoor, which covers the entire building, was designed by well-known visual artist Olafur Eliasson.

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre plays home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.  It has four halls, the largest one accommodating up to 1,800 people. Smaller meeting rooms are located throughout the building along with an open area for exhibitions.

I visited ‘Harpa’ in April 2014 and was impressed by the modern glass exterior and the facilities inside. Although I did not have the pleasure of watching a concert in ‘Harpa’ i have heard the musical acoustics in the Concert Hall are Fantastic.  On the opening night of ‘Harpa’ the Iceland Symphony Orchestra opened with Beethoven‘s 9th conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy who is a Russian born pianist that holds Icelandic and Swiss citizenship.

Björk, Sigur Rós and Ásgeir Trausti are among some of the most popular Icelandic artists that have performed here.  Have a look below at some of the photos of ‘Harpa’.

Inside the impressive Icelandic venue ‘Harpa’

The ceiling mirrors inside ‘Harpa’

Modern colourful glass architecture designed by Olafur Eliasson.

Side of ‘Harpa’ and Reykjavík Sea harbour and port.

Address: Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Hall, Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Click here to visit the ‘Harpa’ Concert Hall and Conference Hall Website.