Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in co-operation with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Construction started in 2007 and opened in 2011.

Harpa has received recognition for its stunning exterior design, which was inspired by the crystallised basalt columns that are commonly found throughout Iceland’s natural landscapes.

The Centre features an arrival- and foyer area in the front of the building, four halls in the middle and a backstage area with offices, administration, rehearsal hall and changing room in the back of the building.
The three large halls are placed next to each other with public access on the south side and backstage access from the north. The fourth floor is a multifunctional hall with room for more intimate shows and banquets.

Harpa was originally part of a redevelopment of the Austurhöfn area in Reykjavík, which was partially abandoned when the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis took hold.Construction started in 2007 but was halted with the start of the financial crisis. The completion of the structure was uncertain until the government decided in 2008 to fully fund the rest of the construction costs for the half-built concert hall. For several years it was the only construction project in existence in Iceland. The building was given its name on the Day of Icelandic Music on 11 December 2009, prior to which it was called The Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre.