Reykjavíkurborg · Waterfront landmark

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Explore Reykjavíkurborg's landmark waterfront venue for orchestra, opera, and modern exhibitions.

MusicArchitectureDesignLocal heritage

Harpa is a key cultural hub offering world-class performance halls for diverse musical genres, daily guided tours, and a dedicated free family programme. Visitors can explore Icelandic design at the gift shop and enjoy fine dining overlooking the scenic harbour.

A waterfront cultural venue hosting live concerts, family-friendly events, guided architectural tours, and design shopping in Reykjavík.

About Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre serves as a key cultural hub on the waterfront in Reykjavík. The venue hosts live musical performances across all genres inside specialized acoustic halls. Visitors can enjoy a diverse family program, participate in guided architectural tours, browse local craftsmanship, and experience dining options that overlook the scenic harbor.

Exterior view of Harpa Concert Hall showing its angular glass facade with geometric honeycomb-patterned panels and large entrance windows

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre opening hours in Reykjavík

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Reykjavík.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

10:00-18:00

10:00-20:00

10:00-18:00

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Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre Facilities

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre provides a variety of practical amenities to support a comfortable visitor experience in Reykjavík. Guests have access to on-site dining options and a gift shop, as well as convenient car parking facilities located at the venue.

Restaurants

Available

Gift shop

Available

Car Park

Available

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Family visits at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre provides a diverse family programme featuring musical events and the Hljóðhimnar sound space for creative discovery. This dedicated area allows children to explore interactive sound installations and music-themed activities. Details regarding age-appropriate events and visitor resources are available to help plan an engaging experience.

Harpa offers a dedicated, free family programme featuring diverse musical events and the Hljóðhimnar space for creative exploration.

Why families will enjoy it

Free family programme with over twenty diverse annual events.
Hljóðhimnar interactive sound space accessible during building opening hours.
Monthly World Music events leading up to the June World Music Festival.

Activities and resources for children

Play area

Hljóðhimnar

Free

An interactive space for families to discover the world of sound.

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Family program

Harpa Family Programme

Free

A recurring schedule of diverse musical events for families.

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Location of Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is situated on the scenic waterfront at Austurbakki 2, in the Miðborg neighborhood of Reykjavík. Overlooking the harbor, this central location places visitors near the heart of the city's cultural life. Its striking seaside position makes the landmark easy to find for anyone attending events, enjoying guided tours, or exploring the capital's historic downtown.

Austurbakki 2

101 Reykjavíkurborg

Miðborg, Höfuðborgarsvæðið, IS

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Planning your visit to Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is situated on the waterfront in the Miðborg neighborhood of Reykjavík. Visitors arriving by car can utilize the underground parking garage, which features elevators with direct access to the main building. The facility is fully accessible, offering step-free ground-level entrances and lifts throughout the public spaces to accommodate all guests.

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Cultural and Musical Experiences at Harpa Concert Hall

The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a vibrant cultural hub in the waterfront Miðborg neighborhood of Reykjavík. Visitors can experience a diverse program of classical, jazz, and contemporary performances across specialized acoustic halls. As the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the venue hosts world-class musical events alongside free, accessible family programming. Beyond the performances, guests can join guided architectural tours to learn about the building's design. The visitor experience is completed by a curated design shop and harbor-view dining options.

View from inside Harpa Concert Hall through its geometric honeycomb glass facade toward the harbor with sailboats and mountains beyond

The History of Harpa Concert Hall

Construction on the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík began in 2007, with the venue officially named in 2009. The landmark building opened in May 2011, hosting an inaugural performance by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Its distinctive facade design earned the European Union's prestigious **Mies van der Rohe Award** in 2013. Since its opening, the venue has served as a central hub, hosting global diplomatic events like the 2023 Council of Europe summit.

Construction started in 2007
2007Construction
Construction of the concert hall and conference center officially began on 12 January 2007 as part of the World Trade Center Reykjavík redevelopment project.
Naming of the building in 2009
2009Milestone
On 11 December 2009, during the Day of Icelandic Music, the venue was officially named Harpa, replacing the descriptive title Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre.
Official opening in 2011
2011Opening
The concert hall officially opened to the public on 13 May 2011, shortly after an inaugural performance by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra on 4 May 2011.
Won the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2013
2013Heritage status
In 2013, the building received the European Union's prestigious Mies van der Rohe award for contemporary architecture in recognition of its design.
Relocation of 'The Musician' sculpture in 2014
2014Other
The sculpture 'The Musician' by Ólöf Pálsdóttir, which was previously located at Háskólabíó, was moved to the water next to Harpa in 2014 to follow the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Expansion of lighting system artistic use
2014Other
In 2014, the building's façade lighting system was first opened to external artists for interactive projects, starting with a performance of the game Pong during the annual Culture Night.
Hosted World Yo-Yo Contest in 2017
2017Milestone
Harpa hosted the annual World Yo-Yo Contest in 2017, marking only the second time the international event had been held in Europe.
10-year anniversary celebration in 2021
2021Milestone
To mark the building's 10th anniversary in 2021, artist Olafur Eliasson created 12 new light installations for the glass façade, with one unique work displayed each month.
Fourth Council of Europe summit in 2023
2023Other
In May 2023, the venue hosted the fourth Council of Europe summit, which saw many European leaders gather for diplomatic proceedings.
Opening of Volcano Express in 2025
2025Milestone
In March 2025, a new immersive cinematic attraction titled 'Volcano Express' opened on the lower level of the concert hall to provide sensory experiences of Icelandic volcanic landscapes.

Harpa Concert Hall: Quick & Quirky Visitor FAQs

Can you just wander into the glass masterpiece in Reykjavík without a ticket? Yes, entry to Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is completely free, though you will need to track whether it closes at 18:00 or 20:00 depending on the day. Our quick guide answers these common visiting dilemmas.

What are the weekend opening hours for Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre?

On weekends, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is open from 10:00 to 20:00 on Saturdays and from 10:00 to 18:00 on Sundays.

Is Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre open on Mondays?

Yes, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is open on Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00.

What time does Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre close?

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre closes at 18:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, and at 20:00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

What are the visiting hours for Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre?

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is open from 10:00 to 18:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, and from 10:00 to 20:00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

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Visitor tips for Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Visitors to Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík can make use of the convenient underground car park, which offers designated spaces for guests with reduced mobility. The venue is fully accessible, featuring step-free ground-level entrances and lifts that provide mobility assistance throughout the building. For those planning an extended stay, the facility includes on-site gourmet restaurants and a gift shop to explore. Guests are encouraged to check the operational status of these amenities before arrival to ensure they are open during a planned visit.

Who should visit Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre offers a versatile space in Reykjavík that caters to diverse interests, including music enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those interested in local design. The venue is welcoming to families and groups, featuring a dedicated programme for visitors of all ages alongside retail and dining options. With step-free ground-level access and lift availability, the building is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors comfortably. Whether attending a performance, exploring the unique building design, or shopping for Icelandic craftsmanship, the venue provides a central cultural experience for many types of guests.

Harpa Concert Hall Visual Gallery

Images of the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík highlight its striking modern architecture. The venue is defined by a geometric glass honeycomb facade that frames the coastal light. Inside, visitors can expect panoramic views of the harbor and sailboats, illustrating the seamless connection between the building's angular interior design and the Icelandic waterfront.

Large group of dignitaries posing for a photo inside Harpa Concert Hall in front of the iconic honeycomb glass facade, with a Reykjavík Summit banner in the foreground

Exterior view of the Harpa Concert Hall featuring its large geometric green glass facade, a wooden boardwalk, and a reflecting pool in the foreground under a blue sky.

Harpa Concert Hall under construction with tall tower cranes and exposed steel framework against a cloudy sky

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