Perlan Cultural Center
The Perlan Cultural Center is a natural history museum in Reykjavik. It is located on the top of the Esk-Uchlid hill. Originally just a collection of hot water tanks, the building was opened to the public on June 21, 1991. The building consists of a glass dome supported by six district heating tanks. Four of them are still in use, one contains an ice cave, and one has been converted into a planetarium.
History of the Perlan Cultural Center
There is hardly anyone who would argue with the statement that the Perlan cultural center occupies a leading position in the ranking of the most unusual places in the city. It attracts the attention of both visiting guests and residents accustomed to the local landmark. From a distance you can see how the building shines, resembling silver.
The architectural landmark appeared thanks to the initiative of the former mayor of Reykjavik, David Oddson. The Perlan Cultural Center is also called the “Pearl of Reykjavik”. In 1991, David Oddson decided that it was necessary to transform the building, which accumulates the natural energy of the thermal springs located below it, into a tourist attraction. A beautiful glass dome was built at the top of the building. A winter garden, galleries, and concert stages appeared on the ground floor. Fans of local bands are warmly welcomed at their performances. Special exhibitions and fairs are held for all lovers of national performances and cultural events.
Description of the cultural center Perlan
The observation tower is located on the fourth floor of the building. There are also panoramic telescopes there. On the floor above there is a restaurant, which is illuminated by hundreds of lights at night. However, the highlight of this place is that it is revolving. It completely circulates in 120 minutes. This is enough time to explore all the surroundings of the city.
It’s worth stopping right at this point and emphasizing that such establishments are not affordable for everyone. If you want to save money, then it is better to visit a bar nearby.
The Perlan Cultural Center also has shops and a real Saga Wax Museum. It takes its visitors into an atmosphere of acquaintance with the primitive and national wealth of the people of Iceland. In it, guests will learn about how Icelanders lived long ago, what cultural traditions they followed, and how interesting their personal evolutionary history was. A total of 17 heroes are presented. Some of them are real people, and some heroes appeared in Iceland by coming from myths and legends.
