On Thursday, May 12, 2016, an exhibition was opened at the National Library on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Icelandic Literary Society. The exhibition details the main stages in the society's history and presents many of its most significant publications. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Society and the National Library of Iceland – University Library. The exhibition design was by Ólafur Engilbertsson and the exhibition text by Bragi Þ. Ólafsson and Jökul Sævarsson. The exhibition is supported by the state treasury and the sponsors of the Society, GAMMA and Landsvirkjun.
The Icelandic Literary Society was founded in 1816 and took over the role of the Icelandic Society of Literary Arts, which was founded in 1779. The society has therefore been active for two centuries. The Literary Society has been responsible for book publishing that is more suited to cultural enrichment than financial gain. The society is the publisher of Skírni, Tímarit bökmenntafelagins, and Lærdómsrita bökmenntafelagins, as well as numerous books in various fields of culture and scholarship in accordance with the society's purpose. The society has always paid special attention to the country's history, its language and literature, and also to connecting Icelanders with the best in education and science with other nations.