Tours and Tickets to Experience Harpa

Harpa is a concert hall, conference center, and architectural landmark in the heart of Reykjavik on the city's waterfront. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, and Reykjavík Big Band and houses several restaurants and gift stores.

Harpa was designed by world-renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with the Danish architectural firm, Henning Larsen Architects. The building is noted for its glass façade with hexagon panels that reflect light and numerous public artworks scattered in and around the building.

Harpa offers a variety of events, including pop, rock, and classical concerts and exhibitions. Cultural performances by Icelandic and international musicians and artists have included Björk, Sigur Rós, and Tony Bennett. The building also hosts conferences, talks, and comedy shows.

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre) and wander around the building’s public spaces. However, there are usually admission fees for specific events or performances. Harpa typically offers daily guided tours that take you beyond the public areas—for these, there is a fee.

Yes, Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre) is illuminated at night with a light display designed by Olafur Eliasson. Each of the building’s windows has an LED light, so Harpa shimmers in multi-colored hues after dark, making this the best time to see it.

Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre) opened to the public on May 4, 2011. The opening was celebrated with a concert by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, which was broadcast live on RÚV, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. Construction of Harpa began in 2007 but the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis delayed its completion to 2011.