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Harpa Concert Hall photo by By Steven Lek

Top 10 Facts about Harpa (concert hall), Iceland

Harpa, earlier known as Concert Hall and Conference Centre. On March 9, 2006, an agreement was signed between the Icelandic state, the City of Reykjavik and the Portus holding company for the construction of the hall. On January 12, 2007, construction began on the building.

 However, the construction was halted on October 2008, due to a shortage of finance but on March 2009, the construction was resumed  with the help of the government, following a decision by the Minister of Education, Katrin Jakobsdottir and Hanna Birna Kristjansdottir, who was the mayor at the time.

There was a competition held before the completion of the Harpa among the citizen to find a name for the new structure. More than 1200 citizen participated and more than 4000 names were given but  Harpa was the wining name.  

1. It was Named by a Local Citizen

Harpa Concert Hall photo by By Steven Lek

Before the construction of the concert hall was completed there was a competition among the citizen to find a name for the new structure. It is interesting to know the citizen had be given a chance to participate in the naming of this structure.

Over 1,200 residents participated in the naming competition and gave over 4,000 names. The winning name was Harpa and was made public on 11 December 2009. A Harpa is an Old Icelandic word that refers to a time of year, and it is also a month in the old Nordic calendar, the first day of the month of 鈥淗arpa鈥� as it was known was the first day of summer.

 It is good to note that the building was initially named the Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre but it was renamed Harpa in 2009, before its opening.

2. It has Hosted a Multitude of Artists and Events

This amazing hall and conference centre in Iceland has hosted a multitude of artists and events despite young age. Since its opening in May 2011, more than 7 million visitors have passed through its doors. Some of well -known artists and groups that have performed here include;

Berliner Philharmonic, San Francisco Ballet, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, St. Petersburg Festival Ballet, Shakespeare鈥檚 Globe Theatre, Bjork, Cyndi Lauper, Tony Bennett, Bryan Ferry, and Burt Bacharach among others.

3. Its Design was Influenced by Icelandic Nature and the Environment

Harpa has received recognition for its stunning exterior design. The design was inspired by the crystallized basalt columns that are commonly found throughout Iceland鈥檚 natural landscape and its environment. The concert hall was designed by Olafur Eliasson, Batterio Architects and Henning Larsen Architects.

The Northern Lights and the unique scenery in Iceland influence the building鈥檚 appearance. The glass hexagons and the light they reflect and absorb dominate the design inside and out. The effect of light on the building is amazing during summer or winter, day or night.

4. Harpa Offers Stunning Views of the Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean

Harpa Concert Hall photo by By Steven Lek

When you are at Harpa you get to enjoy amazing views of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Concert hall is located between the Reykjavik city centre and North Atlantic Ocean alongside its picturesque harbour hence the views are stunning in either direction.

 The amazing mountains and ocean views are seen with no interruption. This is a must-visit place.

5. It Represents the Country鈥檚 Recovery and Tenacity

Harpa Concert Hall Reykjavik photo By Steven Lek

The construction of the building started on January 12, 2007. The Harpa project was part of a regeneration of the city鈥檚 harbour area. In October 2008, construction was halted due to the financial crash.

 In March 2009, it resumed again after the Icelandic Government and the City took over since they could see how valuable the structure would be. It was the decision of the Minister of Education, Katrin Jakobsdottir, and Hanna Birna Kristjansdottir, who was the mayor at the time. It is a sign of the country recovering and finding its place in the world again.

6. Harpa is a Testament to the Importance of Culture in Iceland

 Harpa is one of the amazing halls where conferences are held and it has hosted multiple of artists and big events. The concert hall as well received recognition for its stunning exterior design and won the Mies van der Rohe architecture award in 2013.

 Despite Iceland being a small nation with few than 350,000 people, it has been remarked for holding such an impressive concert hall. The concert hall is a testament to the importance of culture here in Iceland.

7. Concert Hall has Received Numerous Awards

Harpa Concert Hall Reykjavik photo By Steven Lek

Harpa is still young since it was constructed in 2011, however, it has already received numerous awards, for both its architecture and as a concert and conference centre. Some of the awards it has received include;

Concert hall won the highly respected Mies Van der Rohe: European Union Prize in the year 2013, for its Contemporary Architecture Award. In 2010, Harpa was chosen as one of the concert houses of the new millennium by Gramophone Magazine and Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2011 choose Harpa as the best concert and conference centre.

Other Awards include the USITT Architecture Award in 2018, Local Favorite Award in 2016; The Culture Trip, Best MICE Centre in Northern Europe in 2012, The Public Space in 2012; Arkitekturmassan Awards, the Icelandic Heating, Ventilation and Sanitary Award in 2012 not forgetting The Icelandic Concrete Award in 2012 among others.

8. Run as a Public Organization

 The Harpa Concert Hall is run as a Public organization. The city hall  is operated by Portus. Portus is a company owned by the Icelandic government and the city of Reykjavik.

The Concert hall has directors who direct activities talking place in hall. The first dirctor of harpa was Halldo Gudmundsson.  Svanhildur Konradsdotir is the current director of harpa.  

9. Owned by the Icelandic State and the City of Reykjavik

Harpa Concert Hall Reykjavik photo By Steven Lek

The conference centre and Harpa Concert is owned by the Icelandic State and the City of Reykjavik. The Icelandic state owns 54% of the concert hall while the City of Reykjavik owns 46% of the hall.

The goal of the owners for constructing the concert hall is to support Icelandic music and culture as well as to strengthen Iceland鈥檚 position in the field of conference facilities and tourism.

10. Tourist Attraction Site

The concert hall is one of the tourist attraction sites in Iceland and has helped in its growth. Since is opening in May 2011 more than 7 million people has visited the place.

Many tourists visit to come and see the amazing view of the mountains surrounding the concert hall and the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Not forgetting its architecture which is attractive in and outside and was recognized and won an award. This Concert is a must-see when you visit or you stay within Iceland.