Arni Magnusson Institute, Reykjavik

Arni Magnusson Institute, Reykjavik

The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies operates under the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture of Iceland. Its primary mission is to conduct research in various aspects of Icelandic and related academic fields, with a particular focus on the Icelandic language and literature. Additionally, the institute aims to disseminate knowledge in these areas and safeguard and enhance its collections, which may include historical manuscripts. The institute derives its name from Árni Magnússon, a collector of medieval Icelandic manuscripts from the 17th to 18th century.

Originally, the institute was responsible for preserving and studying medieval Icelandic manuscripts, including works like Landnáma, Heimskringla, and the Icelandic sagas. However, on September 1, 2006, it underwent a merger with several other institutions, namely the Icelandic Language Institute, the University of Iceland Institute of Lexicography, the Sigurður Nordal Institute, and the Place-Name Institute of Iceland. This merger resulted in the establishment of the current Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies.

The institute now operates as a university institution with its own governing board and financial independence. The Minister of Education, Science, and Culture appoints a five-member board, each serving four-year terms. Among these members, three are chosen based on nominations made by the University Senate, while two are appointed without prior nomination, with one of them assuming the role of chairman. Furthermore, the Minister appoints a director for the institute, who serves five-year terms, based on the recommendation of the board.

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Arni Magnusson Institute on Map

Sight Name: Arni Magnusson Institute
Sight Location: Reykjavik, Iceland (See walking tours in Reykjavik)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Reykjavik, Iceland

Create Your Own Walk in Reykjavik

Create Your Own Walk in Reykjavik

Creating your own self-guided walk in Reykjavik is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour

Reykjavik, although primarily famous as a base from which to explore the rest of Iceland, is surprisingly full of unique historic locations, many of which are off the beaten path and thus not overrun with tourists. In fact, unless you're accompanied by a historian or knowledgeable local, you can easily walk right past them and not realize their historical importance.

Relatively small in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour

Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland. Located close to the Arctic Circle, it is the world's northernmost capital. This charming, eclectic destination is the center of Iceland's economy, culture, and government.

Reykjavík is considered to be Iceland's first settlement. According to ancient texts, Norseman Ingolfr Arnarson was drawn to Reykjavík's natural harbor and...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles