A Festive Opening of Harpa

With a festive ceremony lasting from 1 pm until midnight, the Concert Hall hosted a number of cultural events in and around the building. The opening formed part of Reykjavik’s annual jazz festival taking place in the days between 20 August and 3 September.

Mayor of Reykjavik, Jón Gnarr, opened the ceremony in Harpa’s central foyer. This was followed by an extensive musical programme – from harp music to lively jazz sessions, classical music and Chinese acrobatics on the plaza in front of the Concert Hall. In the evening, the lights in the spectacular south facade were lit, and everything culminated in a dazzling fireworks display, that illuminated the entire harbor space.