About Harpa

Harpa is known for its distinctive glass facade, which was designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson in collaboration with the Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen Architects.



The name Harpa was the winning name out of 4,156 proposals entered by 1,200 citizens. The demand was that the name should be in Icelandic but easily articulated in most languages.

The name Harpa has more than one meaning. It is an old Icelandic word that refers to a time of year and is in fact a month in the old Nordic calendar. The first day of that month is celebrated as the first day of summer and marks the beginning of a brighter time where nature comes to live and the colours of the environment sharpen.

Harpa also refers to the instrument that refers to the activities and operations within. In the opinion of some, Harpa looks likes a drawn harp from a certain angle.

​

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre offers the best facilities for concerts and conferences in Northern Europe.

Harpa has received numerous awards and prizes. Harpa was chosen one of the best concert halls of the new millennium by the prestigious music magazine Gramophone magazine and was chosen the best performance venue in 2011 by Travel & Leisure magazine. In autumn 2012, Harpa received the prestigious award as the Best MICE Centre in Northern Europe and the Best Meeting & Conference Centre in Europe 2016 by Business Destinations.

Learn more about Harpa at www.harpa.is