4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Reykjavík, Iceland

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Reykjavík has an active cultural life through most of the year, and is especially strong in music and the visual arts. The classical performing-arts scene tends to quiet down somewhat in summer, though a growing number of rock and jazz concerts as well as a new chamber music festival held in Harpa, called Reykjavík Midsummer Music, have been helping to fill in the lull. The Reykjavík Arts Festival is an annual event held in May. Past festivals have drawn Luciano Pavarotti and David Bowie, among other stars. Check out The Reykjavík Grapevine (www.grapevine.is) for up-to-date listings; it's biweekly in summer, monthly in winter.

Cinema at Old Harbour Village No 2

Vesturbær

At the top of a warehouse in the Old Harbor district, the Cinema at Old Harbour Village No 2 screens documentaries and nature films. There's also a small exhibition of local artifacts.

Geirsgata 7b, Reykjavík, 107, Iceland
354-898–6628
Performing Art Details
ISK 1,200

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Íslenska Óperan

Miðbær

The Icelandic Opera, a resident company, performs during the winter at its home in the Harpa Concert Hall.

Austurbakka 2, Reykjavík, 101, Iceland
354-528–5050

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Light Nights

Miðbær

You can go to Light Nights to watch traditional folk performances (in English) based on Icelandic sagas and folktales; it takes place in July and August, and has been running for over 40 years. Tickets are sold at the door, starting one hour before the show, but reserving a ticket is recommended.

Baldursgata 37, Reykjavík, 101, Iceland
Performing Art Details
ISK 3,000

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Sinfóníuhljómsveit Íslands

Miðbær

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra has bloomed beautifully, winning fine reviews for its tour appearances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Regular performances are held throughout the year at the eye-catching Harpa Concert Hall.

Austurbakki 2, Reykjavík, 101, Iceland
354-545–2500

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