Plizio Visual Lab

Harpa Concert Hall

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

theater

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Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a modern landmark in Reykjavík, officially opened in May 2011. Located on the edge of the old harbor, the building is renowned for its striking glass facade designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects. The facade consists of a geometric steel framework filled with specially shaped glass panels that reflect the Icelandic sky and sea. Inside, Harpa serves as the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, featuring several large concert halls with world-class acoustics. Despite the financial crisis of 2008, the project was continued and has since become a symbol of the country's cultural recovery and resilience. The building was awarded the Mies van der Rohe Award for Contemporary Architecture in 2013.

Location: Iceland
Top sights: Harpa · Volcano Express · Arnarhóll
Nearby: Kópavogur (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	0	0	1	3	6	9	11	11	8	4	2	0
Rain mm	169	152	154	119	93	83	99	121	181	147	149	172

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Visitors can freely enter and explore the memorable public areas and distinctive geometric foyer of the concert hall. Access to the specific performance halls is normally restricted unless you are attending a scheduled event or taking an official tour.

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Typical hours

The building itself is typically open to the public daily from early morning until late evening. The exact operating hours of the individual box offices, on-site shops, and restaurants within the complex will naturally vary.

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Photography

The intricate glass facade designed by Olafur Eliasson has incredible photography opportunities both inside and out. The dynamic interplay of natural light and colored glass creates unique effects that change beautifully throughout the day.

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Time needed

Simply walking around the magnificent public spaces and taking photographs usually requires about forty-five minutes. If you opt to join a guided tour or decide to stay for a meal, plan to spend at least two hours inside the venue.

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Combine with

Its excellent location by the old harbour makes it easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Sun Voyager sculpture. You can also easily walk to the bustling downtown area of Reykjavík to explore its various museums and appealing cafes.

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Getting there

Harpa is situated directly on the pretty waterfront and is highly accessible by walking from the city center. It is also well-connected by local public buses, and paid parking is conveniently available for those arriving by car.

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Insider tip

Taking an official guided tour is highly recommended to fully understand the architectural concepts and the advanced acoustics. Don't miss visiting after dark to see the impressive exterior illuminated with moving LED lights.