- Address: Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland;
- Phone: +354 528 5050;
- Website: http://en.harpa.is/;
- Construction: 2007 - 2011;
- Opening: May 13, 2011;
- Height: 43 m;
- Architect: Olafur Eliasson;
- Architectural style: High-tech.
The small and cozy Reykjavik is the capital and one of the most beautiful cities of Iceland . Its main decoration is small traditional houses with multi-colored roofs, which overflow with all colors, like Christmas trees on a New Year tree. One of the most important sights of the city for more than 5 years is the concert hall and the congress center "Harpa" (Harpa). Let's talk more about it.
General information
The project of the building was designed by the modern Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Initially, it was planned to host a hotel for 400 people and a small shopping center that would include several shops and 2 restaurants. Until the end it was not possible to implement because of the economic crisis of 2008-2009. However, the government of Iceland still decided to take all the financial costs, and it is thanks to this that we can now observe this amazing work of art.
The first concert in Harp in Reykjavik was held on May 4, 2011, and after 9 days, on May 13, a grand opening was held, at which all could attend.
What to see?
The main interest for numerous tourists is, of course, the architecture of this unusual building. From a distance the concert hall and the congress center "Harpa" looks like huge honeycomb combs that shimmers in the bright sunlight with all the colors of the rainbow. Due to high ceilings and glass walls, the area of the building visually increases and the building looks more spacious.
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It is curious that in the territory of this 5-storeyed center there were 4 concert halls at once:
- "Eldborg." This is the largest of 4 rooms, its capacity is about 1500 seats. The room is decorated in red and black colors, symbolizing the lava of the volcano. In this room, in addition to concerts of symphonic music, often held solemn events, conferences and business negotiations.
- "Silfurberg" is a hall for 750 seats, named after the famous "sun stone" of the Vikings. It is believed that it was with his help in the obscure weather that the heroes of the ancient Scandinavian fairy tales found the right way.
- "Nordjular" - a hall designed for 450 seats. Translated from the Icelandic language, its name means "northern lights", which is clearly expressed in the interior and decoration of the hall.
- "Caldalon" is the smallest hall of "Harpa" in Reykjavik, its capacity is only 195 seats. The name of the hall, as in the previous cases, was given not accidentally, but in connection with the color of the walls. "Caldalon" in Russian translates as "cold lagoon", and the hall itself is made in pale beige tones.
Of course, evenings of ethnic music enjoy the greatest popularity among tourists, after all, in order to fully know the country, one must also get acquainted with its culture. In addition to the concert halls, in the "Harp" there are souvenir shops, a beauty salon, several branded clothing stores, and a luxury restaurant - one of the best in Reykjavik. Its main "highlight" is the playground, from which a breathtaking view of the historic part of the city opens.
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How to get there?
Finding in Reykjavik concert hall and congress center "Harpa" is easy, because this majestic building is located in the heart of the city. You can get here by bus, go out at the Harpa stop of the same name. It is worth noting that just 10 minutes walk from here is another famous landmark of the capital of Iceland - a monument to Sun Voyager ("Sunny Wanderer"), which must be visited during a walk.