The Harstad cultural centre is located on the fringe of Hamnneset opposite of the quay Dampskipskaia where the Express boats dock. Its closest neighbour is Harstad University College. Since the beginning of the 20th century, this area was characterised by industry and transport, but towards the end of the 1980s this era had drawn to a close. The establishment of the cultural centre was a turning point for this area and in 1996, the University College also moved here.

The cultural centre houses Northern Norway's largest concert hall with a seating capacity of 1,000. This is very practical during the Festival of North Norway (FINN) which is held each June in Harstad. This building also holds a library and hotel, in addition to multiple functions related to cultural operations.

The building's total area measures 12,000 square metres - including roughly 8,000 square metres previously used as an industrial area which was rebuilt as a part of the new complex. Glass is the dominating material on the south side and the building opens in this direction. A tall narrow wing, which is reminiscent of a tower, is located in the central section of the building. This divides the main façade into two. This wing is eight-storied and makes the building both distinct and easily visible - from the town centre and from the sea.

Opened in 1992

PW Arkitekter AS

Per Knutsen Arkitektkontor AS

Cultural Centre

Concrete

sheeting

glass

aluminium

cultural centre

concrete

sheeting

glass

aluminium

library

Jacobsen, Yngve, "Harstad kulturhus av internasjonalt format" in Kulturnytt 3/1992, pp. 20-21

Bruun, Ola og Jim Myrstad, "Porten mot byen - Bylandskap Harstad 100 år 2004" in Harstad Tidene 04.01.02, pp. 28-29

Bruun, Ola og Jim Myrstad, "Ved havet - Bylandskap Harstad 100 år 2004" in Harstad Tidene 04.01.02, pp. 30-31

Steinnes, Kristian, Ved egne krefter - Harstads historie 1904-2004, Harstad 2003, pp. 513-516