The Pearl (Perlan)
Other than maybe Hallgrímskirkja, there is no other dominant architectural feature more present in the Reykjavík skyline than this futuristic glass dome. In the 1930s, master artist Johannes Kjarval had dreams for a structure on Oskjuhlíð hill, stating that it should be covered with mirrors, “So the Northern Lights can approach the feet of men—the roof should be decorated with crystal of every color and floodlights should be in the eaves to illuminate the whole area. It should answer to the light of day and the symbols of the night.” The Pearl was built in 1991 to store 24,000 tons of the city’s geothermally heated water, sitting atop six enormous cylindrical tanks. The structure is now home to a variety of exhibitions, ranging from a 100m-long manmade ice cave and a planetarium to immersive experiences that mimic the power of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The fourth floor is ringed by a viewing deck with fabulous views over the city and beyond; inside is a cafe whose main strength is ice cream. The top floor, which makes a complete circular revolution every 2 hours, has a restaurant; it's accessible only to diners.
Other than maybe Hallgrímskirkja, there is no other dominant architectural feature more present in the Reykjavík skyline than this futuristic glass dome. In the 1930s, master artist Johannes Kjarval had dreams for a structure on Oskjuhlíð hill, stating that it should be covered with mirrors, “So the Northern Lights can approach the feet of men—the roof should be decorated with crystal of every color and floodlights should be in the eaves to illuminate the whole area. It should answer to the light of day and the symbols of the night.” The Pearl was built in 1991 to store 24,000 tons of the city’s geothermally heated water, sitting atop six enormous cylindrical tanks. The structure is now home to a variety of exhibitions, ranging from a 100m-long manmade ice cave and a planetarium to immersive experiences that mimic the power of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The fourth floor is ringed by a viewing deck with fabulous views over the city and beyond; inside is a cafe whose main strength is ice cream. The top floor, which makes a complete circular revolution every 2 hours, has a restaurant; it's accessible only to diners.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
