Reykjavik's Harpa concert hall puts a ban on tourists sleeping or making sandwiches there

Guests at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre have been increasingly making use of the building as "a kind of bus terminal or place to sleep, or to make sandwiches in various parts of the building," says a statement from Harpa. 

Managing director of Harpa, Svanhildur Konráðsdóttir does not find this behaviour fitting for the role and look of the building. From now on, tourists will have to pay to use the toilets inside the building unless they are attending a concert or a conference or dining at one of the restaurants inside. 

"We are sincerely happy about Harpa becoming such a popular destination with tourists to Reykjavik. But we have to ensure that this beautiful building keeps its standards and cultural role."

Over 3000 visitors are expected to Harpa this summer. The building was designed by artist Olafur Eliasson in conjunction with Henning Larsen and Batteríið architects and has received many design awards and recognitions. 

Tours of the building are available daily at every hour this summer. 

Harpa is located at Reykjavik harbour and its facade was designed by artist Ólafur Elíasson. Mynd/mbl.is