At World in Words, visitors can view the Icelandic manuscripts, the nation’s most precious cultural heritage. The manuscripts contain many ancient and renowned sagas and poems, as well as various other texts that reflect how previous generations thought about their lives and society.

The exhibition’s primary focus is on presenting the rich and complex world of the manuscripts, where life and death, passion and religion, and honour and power all come into play. It looks at how influences from overseas left their mark on the culture of Icelandic mediaeval society and the Icelandic language, but it also considers the influence that Icelandic literature has had in other countries.

Creation is a major theme of the exhibition both the creation of the manuscripts and the world surrounding them and the constant act of creation that is instilled in the language itself. Various media are used to present the material. In addition to viewing the manuscripts themselves, visitors can explore texts and touch screens, watch videos, listen to readings of all sorts and take part in interactive play.

About Edda - the home of the manuscripts:

The Edda is a remarkable building in Reykjavík, housing the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies and the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Iceland. 

The Edda building is a vibrant center for academic and cultural endeavors. The building has three floors and a basement, with a total area of approximately 6,000 m². The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies occupies the northern part of the building, while the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Iceland operates partially in the southern part. 

At the base of the central building, valuable manuscripts and data are securely preserved. Above that, the library extends into a lofty vault. The library is simultaneously peaceful, splendid, and an inspiring workspace—a hub where ancient and contemporary culture intersect in scholarly pursuits. Within this central space, various activities take place, including exhibitions, lectures, teaching, workspaces, and garden areas on the upper floors, creating a unique environment.