KODE Art Museums of Bergen
Vestland
KODE Art Museums of Bergen is among the largest museums of art and music in the Nordic countries, consisting of four museum buildings in Bergen's city center along Lille Lungegårdsvann - Lysverket, Rasmus Meyer, Stenersen, and Permanenten - as well as the composer homes of Ole Bull, Harald Sæverud, and Edvard Grieg. Established through a 2007 merger of several institutions, including Bergen Kunstmuseum and Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, KODE manages approximately 50,000 objects spanning fine art, sculpture, installation, crafts, musical instruments, furniture, and design. The museum's holdings also include 17 historic buildings with period interiors and around 900 hectares of park and natural areas. Architecturally, the museums range from the neoclassical Permanenten building designed by Henry Bertram Bucher to the modernist Lysverket building. KODE actively curates numerous temporary exhibitions annually, covering historical, craft, and contemporary art, alongside hosting around 400 concerts per year, blending visual art with music heritage. The collections feature masterpieces by Edvard Munch, J.C. Dahl, Harriet Backer, and others, as well as unique collections such as the Munthe Chinese art and Bergensk silverwork. KODE's composer homes offer immersive insights into Norway's musical heritage. The institution was awarded Norway's Museum of the Year in 2014, reflecting its cultural significance and vibrant programming.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to purchase a KODE membership for unlimited free entry to all museums and composer homes for a year, including guest access and discounted concert tickets. The best time to visit is during the numerous temporary exhibitions and concert events throughout the year. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular concerts and special exhibitions. Family-friendly programs and art activities are available, making it suitable for all ages.
Interesting facts
- •KODE manages around 50,000 objects including art, musical instruments, and design pieces.
- •The Permanenten building, a neoclassical landmark, survived the great Bergen fire of 1916.
- •KODE hosts approximately 400 concerts annually, integrating music with visual arts.
- •The museum includes composer homes of famous Norwegian musicians like Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull.
- •The Munthe Chinese art collection is a unique gift from Johan Wilhelm Normann Munthe.
- •The Bergensk silver collection includes significant local goldsmith works donated by Christen Sveaas.
History
KODE was formed in 2007 by merging Bergen Kunstmuseum, Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum, Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, Siljustøl Museum, and Museet Lysøen.
The Permanenten museum building dates back to 1887, originally founded by Johan Bøgh, and survived the 1916 Bergen fire.
Other museum buildings were constructed from the early 20th century to the 1970s, including the Rasmus Meyer building completed in 1924 and the Stenersen building erected in 1978.
Over time, KODE expanded its collections and facilities, integrating art, design, and music heritage under one institution.
It received the Museum of the Year award in Norway in 2014, recognizing its cultural importance.
Place Guide
Permanenten Museum1887
A monumental neoclassical building housing design and craft collections spanning 500 years, including silver, furniture, glass, porcelain, and textiles. It features the unique Munthe Chinese art collection and the Bergensk silver treasure.
Stenersen Museum1978
Built in 1978 to house the modern international art collection donated by Rolf Stenersen, it now focuses on temporary and contemporary art exhibitions. The museum opened a dedicated contemporary art department in 2010.
Rasmus Meyer Museum1924
A palatial building completed in 1924 that holds Rasmus Meyer’s art collection, featuring key works of Norwegian art history, including masterpieces by Edvard Munch and other renowned artists.
Lysverket Museum1938
Opened as a museum in 2003 in a building originally constructed in 1938, Lysverket exhibits the oldest parts of Bergen Kunstmuseum’s collection, including Norwegian realism and neo-romanticism, as well as 20th century and contemporary art. It also houses the Children's Art Museum and the Astrup collection.
Composer Homes: Troldhaugen, Siljustøl, Lysøen
These historic homes belonged to notable Norwegian composers Ole Bull, Harald Sæverud, and Edvard Grieg, offering insights into their lives and musical legacies within preserved period settings and natural surroundings.
Contact
Phone: 53 00 97 00
