Hljómskálinn Pavillon in RVK, Iceland

Hljómskálinn Pavilion—an octagonal tower overlooking Reykjavik's Tjörnin lake—was built in nineteen twenty-three as Iceland's first structure designed specifically for music performances. Per Atlas Obscura, the Reykjavik Brass Band made it their home, performing from the rooftop when weather allowed. The pavilion also housed Iceland's first music school and eventually became the home of the Reykjavik Music College, making it central to Icelandic musical life for over a century.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton