- Address: Reykjavík, Iceland;
- Official page: perlan.is;
- Opened: in 1991;
- Phone: +354 562 0200.
What miracles just does not happen in the world. For example, the cultural center Perlan in Reykjavik is a remarkable building with a hemispherical roof. Its feature is that the building is a boiler house, which functions to this day.
The name of the center is also surprising. In translation from Icelandic "Perlan" means "pearl". But in architectural terms it resembles a daisy. The building is one of the main attractions of Reykjavik and the whole of Iceland .
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History of creation
The boiler room is due to the former Mayor of Reykjavik David Oddsson. It was he who in 1991 decided to turn it into a popular place. Part of the six petals was converted into shops, galleries, cafes. In this case, the remaining petals continue to accumulate the natural energy of underground sources.
A blue dome of amazing beauty was built above the tanks. Under them are 5 floors, making up a modern center of culture and art. The redevelopment took less time. In addition to the dome, concrete ceilings were added, dividing petals into floors.
What is inside the existing boiler room?
Tourists visiting Perlan are invited to climb the observation tower, visit the winter garden, go shopping. In the building there is a museum that reveals the secrets and traditions of the Icelandic way of life. It is called the wax museum of Saggi. In the center of contemporary art exhibitions of contemporary artists are constantly held.
On the ground floor there is a winter garden on an area of 10,000 m². In this open space, concerts are arranged. For example, there was a band like GusGus and Emiliana Torrini. Exhibitions and fairs also do not bypass the garden side. Cultural events take place against the backdrop of natural beauty - a geyser, beating straight from under the earth. He was specially brought to the Winter Garden.
To get to the observation tower, you should go up to the fourth floor. From here you can view panoramic telescopes. There are six in total. They are installed in the corners of the building. If you want, you can use audio guides.
On the top fifth floor, which is the dome, is a revolving restaurant. It is the most chic place in the capital of Iceland. In addition, very expensive. The dome at night is illuminated with thousands of lights. The restaurant makes a full turn in 2 hours. This time is enough to dine and enjoy the magnificent views of Reykjavik. If you take into account the service, the received pleasure from food and interior, the restaurant's prices will not seem so high.
In the extreme case, when it is impossible to forget about saving money, it is worth looking into the cocktail bar. Kinds from it open the same, and the prices are not so biting.
If shopping is the right way to relax, then the service offers grocery, souvenir and Christmas shopping. They are also located on the fourth floor. If the first two are found in any other country, then Christmas is only in Reykjavik.
In it year-round toys, gifts, postcards that are given for Christmas are sold. Even if you visit it in the summer, then at this time you can buy gifts for the upcoming holiday. The gift shop offers traditional Icelandic sweaters, Viking helmets.
How to get to the cultural center "Perlan"?
Since the cultural center "Perlan" is located on the highest hill of Reykjavik , it is impossible not to notice it. If you look at its location by the level of availability, then it is just superb. The center can be reached by Icelandic University. The cost of entry depends on the event you are attending. Exhibitions operate from 11 to 17 daily. The restaurant opens the doors from 18:30, and the bar - from 10 closes at 21:00.