Kode Art Museums Of Bergen

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Kode Art Museums of Bergen, located in the heart of Bergen, Norway, form one of the Nordics’ most significant cultural institutions. Comprising four art museum buildings in Bergen’s city center and three historic composer residences nearby, Kode offers a comprehensive journey through art, design, music, and architecture. Whether you are fascinated by Norwegian painters, international modernism, or the homes of famous composers, Kode provides an enriching destination for visitors.

About the Museum

For over two centuries, Kode has assembled and cared for a vast collection—with more than 50,000 objects including paintings, works on paper, sculptures, installations, musical instruments, fine crafts, furniture, and design pieces. The heart of the collection is exhibited across four distinct museum buildings:

Rasmus Meyer Museum (built 1924): Here, visitors encounter the golden age of Norwegian art (circa 1880–1920) and the world’s third largest collection of Edvard Munch, including masterpieces like Jealousy, Melancholy, Woman in Three Stages, and Evening on Karl Johan Street.
Stenersen Museum (built 1978): Named after financier and art collector Rolf Stenersen, this building presents six to eight rotating exhibitions per year in contemporary art, architecture, handicraft, graphic art, and selections from its major modernist collection, featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Asger Jorn, and Victor Vasarely.
Lysverket (formerly the 1938 power company offices): Currently undergoing refurbishment as a museum space, Lysverket continues to host temporary exhibitions and shares its building with the Michelin-starred restaurant Lysverket.
Permanenten (Neo‑Renaissance, since 1896): This monumental venue houses changing displays from the craft and design collection, with a focus on Norwegian silver, furniture, glass, porcelain, textiles, and a significant Chinese art collection spanning over 4,000 objects.

Combined in a single admission are guided and audio tours, exhibitions, and access to three composer homes:

Troldhaugen: Residence of composer Edvard Grieg, featuring his villa, composing hut, concert hall Troldsalen, garden, and gravesite.
Siljustøl: Home of Harald Sæverud (built 1939), preserved with original furnishings and hosting concerts.
Lysøen: The summer island villa of violinist Ole Bull (built 1872), currently viewable from the outside due to renovation.

These diverse venues allow visitors to immerse themselves in both visual and musical artistry, all woven into the fabric of Bergen’s cultural landscape.

Interesting Facts

The museum’s rich collection spans four major museum buildings and the three composer homes, totaling nearly 50,000 objects.
Rasmus Meyer’s collection, housed in the 1924 museum, contains the world’s third-largest trove of Edvard Munch’s works.
Stenersen’s collection includes over 250 works and features international modernist masters like Picasso and Paul Klee.
Kode’s Permanenten building hosts Norway’s largest Chinese art collection—over 4,000 pieces—from early Stone Age to modern times.
Dining options include the Michelin-starred restaurant located within Lysverket, perfect for combining art and fine cuisine.
A single ticket grants access not just to all buildings and events, but even includes bus transport and a concert at Troldhaugen.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +475 300 9700

Website: kodebergen.no/

Facebook: facebook.com/kodebergen

Conclusion

The Kode Art Museums of Bergen provide an extraordinary cultural experience, blending Norway’s visual art heritage with international influences, and weaving music and architecture into every visit. You can stroll through elegant spaces filled with national masterpieces, engage with contemporary art exhibitions that challenge and inspire, savour a Michelin-starred meal, and step into the composer’s world in beautifully preserved historical homes. Kode is more than a museum—it is a vibrant cultural ecosystem that celebrates creativity across centuries. Whether you are a devoted art enthusiast or a curious traveler, Kode promises a rich and varied adventure in the heart of Bergen.