From Iceland — Hljómskálinn Tells Its 90 Year Old Story

Hljómskálinn Tells Its 90 Year Old Story

Published August 8, 2013

The opening of an art exhibition which pays tribute to Hljómskálinn, takes place Thursday, August 8 from 18:00 to 22:30.
Endurminningar Hljómskálans – Frá lúðrum að lýðræði (Hljómskálinn’s Memoirs – From horns to democracy) is a sound installation and visual art piece by Berglind Jóna Hlynsdóttir and Guðmundur Steinn Gunnarsson.
They give voice to Hljómskálinn itself – the small pavilion in the park by Reykjavíkurtjörn – that has stood there since 1923.
“Hljómskálinn ponders over its role and contextual existence in society. It tries to verbalise its thoughts on the society which initially shaped it and how its status has changed because of society itself changing. The building goes through its own memoirs, its hopes and sentiments, trying to reflect both its historical and fictional reality as well as positioning itself in an international aspect,” says in a press release.
Initially built to house Reykjavík’s brass band, the function of Hljómskálinn has often caused a debate in the city’s community. Sometimes it’s been declared a planning disaster to place it in the beautiful surrounding in the park by the pond, the park which is in fact named after the pavilion, Hljómskálagarðurinn.
It is now 90 years since Hljómskálinn was built and the art exhibition will be open daily from 14:00 to 19:00 until August 25.
During Culture Night (August 24) the exhibition will be open 13:00-19:00.
Special concerts will be held as part of the exhibition on August 15 and 16 at 18:00 and on August 24 and 25 at 16:00, 17:00 and 18:00.

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