KODE Art Museums

Overview

KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes, nestled in the picturesque city of Bergen, Norway, stands as one of the largest and most significant museums for art, design, craft, and music in the Nordic region. This cultural institution is a unique amalgamation of four distinct art museums situated around Lille Lungegårdsvannet in the city center, alongside three beautifully preserved composer homes located outside the city. Together, these venues house an extraordinary collection of nearly 50,000 objects, spanning various periods and styles from historical pieces to contemporary art, sculptures, musical instruments, and decorative arts.

History & Cultural Background

The foundation of KODE traces back to the late 19th century, with its roots in the Bergen Kunstmuseum and the West Norway Museum of Decorative Art, established in 1887. Over the years, these institutions expanded, acquiring impressive collections and utilizing several buildings. A significant modernization process in the early 2000s aimed to consolidate the numerous art institutions in Bergen. This led to the merger of the Bergen Art Museum with the three composer homes—those of Edvard Grieg, Ole Bull, and Harald Sæverud—in 2006 and 2007, forming a unified entity. The institution was formally rebranded as KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes in 2013, a name reflecting its ambition to 'decode' art and culture for a wider audience. This strategic consolidation positioned KODE as a leading cultural beacon, dedicated to stewarding and presenting Norway's rich artistic and musical heritage.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets KODE apart is its multi-venue approach, each building offering a distinct thematic experience. KODE 1, historically known as Permanenten, focuses on fine craft and design, boasting Norway's foremost collection of silver, with thousands of objects showcasing Bergen's rich silversmithing tradition. It also houses a significant Chinese collection, the largest in Norway, largely comprising objects donated by General Johan Wilhelm Normann Munthe. KODE 2 is dedicated primarily to contemporary art and dynamic temporary exhibitions, providing a platform for modern artistic expression. KODE 3, a charming mansion, presents a remarkable collection of art from the Norwegian Golden Age and, crucially, holds the world's third largest collection of Edvard Munch's works. KODE 4 offers modern and international art from the 15th century onwards, alongside a specially designed children's museum where young visitors can explore art through interactive play and experimentation. Beyond the city center, the three composer homes provide intimate insights into the lives and inspirations of some of Norway's most celebrated musical figures.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

KODE's collections are rich with compelling narratives. The museum's exceptional Edvard Munch collection, for instance, owes much to industrialist Rasmus Meyer, who meticulously gathered many of Munch's key works, including pieces from the artist's seminal 'Frieze of Life' series, in close collaboration with Munch himself. This collection offers a deep dive into Munch's artistic development, from his early naturalistic paintings to his iconic expressions of human emotion. The famed silver collection in KODE 1 highlights Bergen's historical significance as a major center for gold and silversmithing, with many pieces originating from the Bergen Goldsmiths' Guild established in 1568. A fascinating story also surrounds KODE's extensive Chinese collection. In 2013, seven marble plinths from Beijing's Old Summer Palace, part of the museum's collection, were controversially returned to China for permanent display at Peking University, after a significant donation to KODE by a Chinese billionaire. This event underscores the museum's ongoing engagement with its collections' global histories and provenances. Furthermore, KODE 4 offers a unique 'art laboratory' for children, where they can freely engage with art, fostering creativity from a young age.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, KODE provides an immersive and enriching cultural experience. A single admission ticket grants access to all four art museums in the city center, making it convenient to explore diverse artistic expressions within close proximity. The buildings themselves are often historical and architecturally significant, with some designed in the Italian Neo-Renaissance style, offering a blend of past and present. Visitors can expect to spend several hours, or even an entire day, delving into the vast collections, from admiring Munch's powerful canvases to discovering intricate decorative arts. Guided tours are available, with English-language tours typically offered daily during the summer season, providing deeper insights into the exhibits. The museums are wheelchair accessible, with lifts in all buildings and reserved parking, ensuring a welcoming experience for all. Located conveniently near Bergen's train station and other central landmarks, KODE is easily integrated into any itinerary, offering a profound glimpse into Norwegian and international art and cultural history.