KODE 1

Overview

Nestled in the picturesque city of Bergen, Norway, KODE 1 is a cornerstone of the larger KODE Art Museums, one of the largest and most significant cultural institutions in the Nordic countries. Known historically as Permanenten, KODE 1 is specifically dedicated to fine craft and design, housing a vast collection that spans centuries of artistic expression. This impressive museum, located at Nordahl Bruns gate 9, stands as a monumental Neo-Renaissance building, a testament to Bergen's rich cultural heritage. It is one of four city-center buildings comprising the KODE Art Museums, which together offer a comprehensive journey through art, music, and design.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of KODE 1 trace back to the West Norway Museum of Decorative Art, established in 1887. The building that now houses KODE 1, Permanenten, was completed in 1896, designed by the then 27-year-old architect Henry Bucher in a striking Neo-Renaissance style. It was initially constructed to serve as a permanent exhibition space for a National Fair held in Bergen in 1898. The building miraculously survived the devastating Bergen fire of 1916, preserving its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Over the years, the museum benefited from generous donations, including substantial gifts from merchant Christian Sundt and the extensive Chinese collection from Johan Wilhelm Normann Munthe. In 2012, Permanenten merged into the KODE Art Museums, solidifying its role within a broader cultural complex dedicated to art, craft, design, and music.

What Makes It Special

KODE 1 is a treasure trove of decorative arts, boasting over 35,000 objects that range from historical furniture and textiles to exquisite silver, glass, and porcelain. Among its most celebrated displays is the 'Silver Treasure' (Sølvskatten), an internationally renowned collection of goldsmith art from Bergen, showcasing 500 years of intricate craftsmanship. Another remarkable feature is its comprehensive Chinese collection, comprising more than 2,500 artifacts and artworks, making it Norway's largest national collection of Chinese art. Beyond its collections, the building itself is a masterpiece. Its elegant Neo-Renaissance architecture, with authentic carved stone and symbolic reliefs by sculptress Ambrosia Tønnesen, creates a unique atmosphere for exploring art. A significant renovation completed in 2017 aimed to visually and programmatically integrate the museum more deeply with the city, including an innovative 'cabinet de curiosité' display that brings previously stored archive items into public view.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The name 'Permanenten' directly reflects its original purpose as a 'permanent' exhibition building, a forward-thinking concept for its time. The building's architect, Henry Bucher, was remarkably young when his design was chosen, leaving a lasting architectural legacy in Bergen. A notable historical event connected to KODE 1 was the theft of Chinese artifacts in 2010. Subsequently, Chinese billionaire Huang Nubo made a significant donation to KODE and facilitated the return of some marble columns to China, highlighting the museum's international connections and the cultural dialogue it fosters. During the recent renovations, a fascinating detail emerged: a colorful tiled floor, based on a former pattern, was installed to visually connect the museum's interior with the vibrant city park outside, symbolizing the museum's renewed openness. This effort also saw thousands of design items, previously in storage, brought into the public exhibition spaces.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, KODE 1 offers an enriching and accessible experience within the larger KODE Art Museums complex. Located conveniently in central Bergen, near the train station and Byparken light rail stop, it is easily reachable. A single admission ticket grants access to all open city-center KODE museums on the same day, encouraging visitors to explore the diverse offerings. While exploring KODE 1, allow ample time to appreciate the intricate details of the craft and design pieces. The museum frequently updates its rotating exhibitions of the crafts and design collection, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. It's an excellent starting point for understanding Bergen's artistic and cultural depth, promising an engaging journey through decorative arts and design in a historically significant setting.