Located in the heart of the city is the cultural and social centre, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. Harpa was opened in 2011, constructions had started in 2007 but came to a stop due to the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis.

It was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects and the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. The building consist of a steel framework clad with geometric shaped glass panels that change colors with the light of day.

Harpa is the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavik Big Band. Many concerts have been held in Harpa since it was opened as well as various music festivals including Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik Art Festival and Sónar Reykjavík.

Harpa is also a powerful conference centre and the possibility for other events in the building is countless with plenty of meeting space, catering service, boutiques and two restaurants. Smurstöðin restaurant is located on the 1st floor and Kolabraut restaurant on the 4th floor.

The Iceland Expo Pavillion features a 360-degree film where icelandic nature is presented. The movie is unique because it is projected onto four walls and the ceiling so it forms a cube around the observer.