KODE Art Museums

Overview

Nestled in the picturesque city of Bergen, Norway, KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes offers an unparalleled cultural journey. As one of the largest museums for art, crafts, design, and music in the Nordic region, KODE is not a single building but a constellation of four distinct art museums in Bergen's city center and three historic composer homes spread across the region. This expansive institution showcases an impressive collection of approximately 50,000 objects, ranging from historical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary art.

The central KODE museums are conveniently located around the serene Lille Lungegårdsvann lake, making them easily accessible for visitors exploring Bergen. Each of the four main museum buildings, KODE 1 through KODE 4, presents a unique focus, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for every art enthusiast.

History & Cultural Background

The foundation of what is now KODE traces back to the Bergen Kunstmuseum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially serving as a repository for local and international art. Over time, this institution expanded, and a significant turning point occurred in 2006 when the Bergen Art Museum merged with three composer homes. This consolidation led to its rebranding as KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes in 2013, reflecting its broader scope.

Many of KODE's buildings have rich histories of their own. For instance, KODE 1, also known as Permanenten, opened its doors in 1896. KODE 3 houses the esteemed Rasmus Meyer Collection, a vast art and furniture collection donated to Bergen city in 1917 by Meyer's children with the condition that it be publicly accessible.

What Makes It Special

KODE's distinctiveness lies in its comprehensive scope, bringing together visual arts, design, and music heritage under one umbrella. It boasts Norway's second-largest art collection and holds the world's third-largest collection of works by the iconic artist Edvard Munch outside of Oslo.

Among its treasures, visitors can explore:

• KODE 1 (Permanenten): Dedicated to decorative arts, design, and crafts, featuring exquisite silverwork, furniture, and European and Asiatic antiques.
• KODE 2 (Stenersen): A dynamic space for contemporary art and ever-changing experimental exhibitions.
• KODE 3 (Rasmus Meyer Collection): A crown jewel for many, this museum highlights Norwegian Golden Age painting and an extensive collection of Edvard Munch's masterpieces, including 'Jealousy' and 'Melancholy.' It also features works by Norwegian landscape pioneer J.C. Dahl and Nikolai Astrup.
• KODE 4 (Lysverket): Showcasing national and international modern art with pieces by artists like Picasso, Kandinsky, and Miró, alongside a dedicated children's art laboratory.

Beyond the city center, KODE also oversees the homes of three of Norway's most celebrated composers: Edvard Grieg's Troldhaugen, Ole Bull's Lysøen, and Harald Sæverud's Siljustøl, offering unique insights into their lives and creative spaces.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Imagine stepping into the very rooms where world-renowned composers once found their inspiration. KODE's connection to the composer homes of Edvard Grieg, Ole Bull, and Harald Sæverud offers a deeply personal look into Norway's rich musical heritage. These homes, set in scenic surroundings, allow visitors to literally walk where music was written and soak in the atmosphere that shaped masterpieces.

For art lovers, KODE 3 presents a fascinating opportunity to delve into Edvard Munch's oeuvre. While Oslo houses some of his most famous versions, KODE's collection, including a version of 'Jealousy,' offers a unique perspective on his stylistic evolution.

The museum complex itself is an artistic landscape, with its four main buildings lining the charming Lille Lungegårdsvann lake. This arrangement allows for a pleasant stroll between different artistic periods and styles, a unique urban cultural experience.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to KODE Art Museums is an immersive experience that can easily fill half a day or more. Many travelers choose KODE 3 first for its profound collection of Norwegian masterpieces, especially the works of Munch and Dahl. For those traveling with children, KODE 4 offers an engaging 'KunstLab' where young minds can explore art through play and experimentation.

A single ticket often grants access to all KODE buildings in the city center, allowing for a flexible and comprehensive exploration. While the collections are extensive, the experience is designed to be enriching, with opportunities for guided tours, often available in English during peak season. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you navigate between the distinct museum buildings, each offering a new layer of cultural discovery.