Concert Hall Harpa

Harpa Concert Hall, located on the waterfront of Reykjavik, is one of the most distinctive and fascinating buildings in Iceland. Inaugurated in 2011, Harpa is not only a center of cultural excellence, but also a symbol of the architectural and artistic dynamism of contemporary Iceland. Designed by Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríið Architects, in collaboration with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, Harpa has become an iconic landmark that attracts visitors from around the world. Harpa’s structure is immediately distinguished by its glass facade, composed of a mosaic of polygons that reflect and refract light in a continuous play of colors and shapes. This innovative design is inspired by Icelandic basalt formations and the natural lights of the north. During the day, the sun creates changing reflections on the building’s surface, while at night the facade lights up with an LED system that transforms Harpa into a luminous sculpture visible from every corner of the city. The facade design, curated by Olafur Eliasson, uses prismatic glass that evokes the ice crystals and basalt columns typical of the Icelandic landscape. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, as well as a wide range of cultural events, conferences, and concerts by international artists. The main concert hall, Eldborg, with a capacity of 1800 seats, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, offering an immersive sound experience for every type of performance. Eldborg, whose name means “Castle of fire,” is designed to evoke the power and beauty of an Icelandic volcano, with an interior rich in details and cutting-edge acoustic design. The construction of Harpa began in 2007, but the project was jeopardized by the economic crisis. However, the Icelandic government decided to complete the building as a symbol of rebirth and hope for the future. This decision has made Harpa an emblem of Iceland’s ability to overcome adversity and invest in culture as a unifying and regenerative force. From an artistic point of view, Harpa is a masterpiece that reflects the collaboration between architecture and art. Olafur Eliasson played a crucial role in conceiving the building’s facade, integrating architectural design with artistic elements that capture the essence of Icelandic nature. Harpa’s structure itself has become a canvas for public art, hosting installations and works that interact with the space and with natural and artificial light. The construction of Harpa has also had a significant impact on the urban planning and economy of Reykjavik. The project has helped revitalize the harbor area, attracting investments and stimulating the development of new tourist and commercial infrastructures. Today, Harpa is a central element of Reykjavik’s urban landscape, integrating the city’s cultural heritage with a modern and dynamic vision. An interesting anecdote about Harpa concerns the innovative use of technology to enhance the acoustics of its concert halls. During the design phase, computer models and advanced acoustic simulations were used to ensure that each hall provided an optimal sound experience. This scientific approach has allowed for the creation of acoustically perfect spaces, appreciated by both artists and the public.