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# Olafur Eliasson's Wow Opera House in Reykjavik
- URL: https://hyperallergic.com/olafur-eliassons-wow-opera-house-in-reykjavik/
- Published: 2012-08-07T15:00:22.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-24T15:48:15.000Z
- Description: REYKJAVIK, Iceland — Olafur Eliasson's stunning collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects on the Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Iceland.
- Author: Ben Valentine
- Tags: Art, Architecture, Iceland, Olafur Eliasson, Photo Essays, reykjavik, #wp, #wp-post, #image-position-hidden, #Import 2025-11-24 06:51 (2012, 2013, part 1)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0704.jpg)

The exterior of the Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre on my second visit. All photos are by the author.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland — Maybe I am biased because [Olafur Eliasson](http://www.olafureliasson.net/works.html?ref=hyperallergic.com) is one of my favorite artists, but his collaboration with [Henning Larsen Architects](http://www.henninglarsen.com/themes/frontpage.aspx?ref=hyperallergic.com) on the [Harpa](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpa%5F%28concert%5Fhall%29?ref=hyperallergic.com) concert hall and conference center — which was completed in 2001 — is the best example of contemporary architecture I have ever seen.

The geometric patterns of multifaceted and colored mirrors and glass panes make for a dazzling display of light and color that is a joy to be inside. As you move through the building, different shapes or colors emerge and disappear; this is the scale that art attempting to probe human consciousness needs to be truly successful. Although I spent a couple of hours wandering this building, I know these photos will not do my experience justice.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0657-e1343992646240.jpg)

This is right after the main entrance, looking up from the lobby.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0653-e1343992623303.jpg)

Another view from the lobby, just to the left, on the second visit, with more sunlight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0661-e1343992688599.jpg)

The view from the first floor, as far away as I could get from the lobby.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0669-e1343992717817.jpg)

A view from the top floor of the facade and ceiling.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0658.jpg)

The wall and ceiling above the lobby and cafe.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/b.jpg)

Looking away from the cafe from the top floor at the ceiling and facade.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0665.jpg)

Closer to the facade and ceiling at the top floor.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/dsc_0663.jpg)

Ceiling — you can see a reflection of me taking the photograph in the top middle.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/aaa.jpg)

A view from outside, after heading towards the back of the building.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/08/aa.jpg)

The proper right side of the building with seating overlooking the harbor.