"Opened in 2011, Reykjavík's Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is not only the most significant classical music venue in Iceland (home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera), but also one of the country’s most striking examples of modern architecture. Located close to the old harbor, the building was part of a larger development meantto breathe life into the downtown district (the plan wasabandoned due to the subsequent economic crash, but funds to complete Harpa were found). The coruscating, eye-catching facade was designedby Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, and the spacious interior has four handsome halls, the largest of which can accommodate up to 1,800 seated guests. There are also smaller conference rooms dotted throughout the building, and the ground floor hosts a record shop, café and restaurant, and other public areas. In addition toclassical concerts, the venue holds music festivals, pop shows, art exhibitions, and more."
