the árni magnússon institute () was an academic institute located in reykjavík, iceland. the institute had the task of preserving and studying medieval icelandic manuscripts containing landnáma, heimskringla and the icelandic sagas. on september 1, 2006, this institute was merged with the icelandic language institute, the university of iceland institute of lexicography, the sigurður nordal institute, and the place-name institute of iceland to create the current árni magnússon institute for icelandic studies. it is a university institution with its own board and financing. the minister of education, science and culture appoints a five-member board for four-year terms. three members are appointed according to nomination by the university senate and two without nomination, with one of those two acting as chairman. the minister appoints a director for five-year terms on the recommendation of the board.