Heimur í orðum

Manuscript exhibition of the Árni Magnússon Institute in Edda, where Icelandic medieval manuscripts, the world of the sagas and Norse mythology come to life.

Opening hoursAdmission ISK 2,500 Wheelchair accessible Café

Website Directions

About the museum

Heimur í orðum (A World in Words) is an exhibition of the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies on the ground floor of Edda at Arngrímsgata. It opened on 16 November 2024, Icelandic Language Day, and it is the only place in the country where the public can view Icelandic manuscripts. The Árni Magnússon manuscript collection was entered on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2009.

The exhibition covers the world of Icelandic classical literature and Norse mythology, with stories of Óðinn, Þór, Hel and Loki preserved in manuscripts. It is divided into sections on the beginning of the world, human life from birth to death, travel and settlement, literature, law and power, and the end of the world. Manuscripts, images, sound and interactive games form a single whole, and the exhibition suits all age groups.

In the foyer of Edda there is also a free exhibition on the development and history of the Icelandic language, and the café Ýmir is in the building. Edda stands next to the National and University Library, the National Museum of Iceland, the main building of the University of Iceland and Saga.

Highlights

The only place in Iceland where you can see Icelandic manuscripts
The Árni Magnússon manuscript collection on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register
The world of the sagas, Norse mythology and medieval thought
Interactive games and multimedia for all age groups
Free exhibition on the history of the Icelandic language in the foyer

Permanent exhibitions

Heimur í orðum – Multimedia exhibition on the world of Icelandic classical literature and Norse mythology, with manuscripts, images, sound and interactive games.
Þróun og saga íslenskrar tungu – Free exhibition in the foyer of Edda on the development and history of the Icelandic language.

Founded: 2024
Operated by: Stofnun Árna Magnússonar í íslenskum fræðum

Admission & discounts

Adults	ISK 2,500
Reduced	ISK 1,200Students and senior citizens
Children & teens	freefree up to age 17 · Children under 18 enter free.
Seniors	ISK 1,200
Visitors with disabilities	–Free for people with disabilities.
Students & apprentices	ISK 1,200
Annual pass	ISK 4,500

The exhibition on the history of the Icelandic language in the foyer of Edda is free and open to the public.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible
Elevator
Accessible restroom
Accessible parking
Service dogs welcome: no information
Tactile models & exhibits: no information
Sign language tours: no information
Easy-to-read materials: no information
Audio description: no information

The building and the exhibition are accessible for wheelchairs, and two accessible parking spaces are directly in front of the main entrance. There is a lift in the building, and one toilet in the basement is accessible for wheelchairs. The lighting in the exhibition room is dim to protect the manuscripts, but there are no bright lights or loud sound sources in the room. There are a few chairs in the room.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Kids’ admission	free up to age 17

Hands-on stations

The exhibition is family-friendly, with interactive games and multimedia. Children under 18 enter free.

Getting there & parking

By public transit

Háskóli Íslands

The nearest bus stops are University of Iceland at Gamli Garður (routes 1, 103, 3 and 55), University of Iceland at the corner of Hringbraut and Tjarnargata (routes 1 and 3), the National Museum (route 12), Háskólatorg (route 12) and the National Library (route 11).

By car

Parking available

The car park is between Edda, Saga and the National Library. It is often crowded during university term time. Two accessible spaces are directly in front of the main entrance.

Accessible parking

The entrance is through the main entrance, which faces west.

Get directions

Amenities & dining

Café
Museum shop
Coat check
Lockers

The café Ýmir is in the building, and a shop is to the left of the reception. Cloakroom and lockers are in the basement. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the exhibition room.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit

School programs	yes
Good to know	The entrance is through the west entrance of the main building, where the reception of the Árni Magnússon Institute, the ticket office and the entrance to the exhibition are located. School visits are offered.