Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre — Restaurant in Reykjavik

A Symphony of Light and Culture: Harpa Concert Hall Shines as Iceland’s Crown Jewel REYKJAVIK, Iceland — Few buildings capture the spirit of a nation quite like Harpa, Reykjavik’s dazzling concert hall and cultural epicenter. Rising from the shores of the North Atlantic like a glacial mirage, this architectural marvel is more than just a venue—it’s a testament to Iceland’s creative resilience and its reverence for both nature and art.

Designed by Henning Larsen Architects and the artist Olafur Eliasson, Harpa’s facade is a hypnotic interplay of geometric glass panels that shift with the Arctic light, mirroring the country’s volcanic basalt columns and the shimmering auroras that dance overhead. By day, it glows like a crystalline iceberg; by night, it becomes a radiant beacon, pulsing with programmed LED hues that echo the mood of the performances inside.

But Harpa is more than just a pretty face. Its acoustics, honed with the expertise of Artec Consultants, are nothing short of miraculous—whether hosting the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, avant-garde electronic acts, or international headliners. The main hall, Eldborg (named after a volcanic crater), is a masterclass in sonic precision, where every note feels intimately close, yet expansively grand.

Beyond the music, Harpa thrives as a democratic space. Locals sip coffee in the sunlit atrium as cruise-ship tourists snap photos of the kaleidoscopic reflections. Free exhibitions, talks, and pop-up events ensure that culture here isn’t elitist but inviting—a rarity in the world of highbrow arts venues.

In a country where nature dominates the narrative, Harpa stands as a bold counterpoint: a human-made wonder that complements, rather than competes with, Iceland’s raw beauty. It’s a place where art and architecture conspire to leave visitors awestruck—proof that even in the land of fire and ice, creativity...

I had the pleasure of attending a conference at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, and the experience was exceptional. The venue is truly a masterpiece of architecture, combining stunning design with functionality. The striking glass façade, inspired by Icelandic nature, creates a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, both inside and out.

The conference facilities were outstanding—spacious, modern, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The staff was professional, attentive, and ensured everything ran smoothly. The acoustics in the halls were impeccable, making presentations and discussions highly engaging and enjoyable.

Harpa's location in the heart of Reykjavík is ideal, offering breathtaking views of the harbor and mountains. The surroundings added an extra layer of inspiration to the event. Additionally, the catering services provided delicious refreshments, showcasing local flavors with an elegant presentation.

Overall, Harpa is a world-class venue that seamlessly blends beauty, innovation, and practicality. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to host or attend an event in Reykjavík. It left a lasting impression on me and elevated the entire...

On Oct 3 in 2018, I reached Reykjavík to join the World Medical Association Assembly conference at Harpa, very beautiful hall and the symbol of Reykjavik. It was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in co-operation with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. It houses the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the offices of The Icelandic Opera. In the opening concert on 4 May 2011, Iceland Symphony Orchestra performed under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy with the Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson as soloist. The Japanese pianist, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii played the piano with Iceland Symphony orchestra under the baton of Ashkenazy at this Harpa concert hall in 2018. I hope Iceland economy will be getting better to develop the transportation and accommodation. Fortunately, I enjoyed the big and wonderful Aurora around 10pm on...