KODE Art Museum | Bergen

The KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes in Bergen, Norway, is one of the largest and most important art and cultural institutions in Scandinavia. It offers a unique blend of visual art, music history, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth guide:

Overview

• Established: The museum was officially founded in 2007, following the merger of several collections and institutions.
• Location: Central Bergen, near the picturesque Lille Lungegårdsvann lake.
• Composition: Comprises four museum buildings and the composer homes of Edvard Grieg, Ole Bull, and Harald Sæverud.

Museum Buildings

KODE 1:

• Focus: Decorative arts, design, and temporary exhibitions.
• Highlights: Includes a collection of silverware, furniture, and European porcelain. The Christie Room showcases Bergen's cultural history.

KODE 2:

• Focus: Contemporary art and exhibitions.
• Highlights: Regularly changing exhibitions feature modern art and contemporary installations by Norwegian and international artists.

KODE 3:

• Focus: The Rasmus Meyer's Collection, primarily Norwegian art.
• Highlights: Includes masterpieces by Edvard Munch, such as The Woman in Three Stages and Jealousy. Other notable Norwegian artists include J.C. Dahl, Harald Sohlberg, and Christian Krohg.

KODE 4:

• Focus: A mix of modern art, older works, and special exhibitions.
• Highlights: Showcases art from the Golden Age of Norwegian art, as well as modern pieces.

Composer Homes

Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg’s Home):

• Location: About 8 km from Bergen’s city center.
• Significance: This was the home of Edvard Grieg, one of Norway’s most famous composers. Visitors can explore his villa, a lakeside cabin where he composed music, and his grave.
• Concerts: Regular piano recitals are held in the concert hall, particularly in the summer.

Lysøen (Ole Bull’s Villa):

• Location: On an island outside Bergen.
• Significance: The villa of Ole Bull, a 19th-century violin virtuoso, reflects his romantic personality with unique architecture blending Norwegian and Moorish influences.

Siljustøl (Harald Sæverud’s Home):

• Location: A short drive from Bergen.
• Significance: Harald Sæverud, a 20th-century composer, lived in this home, surrounded by nature that inspired much of his music.

Collections

• Norwegian Art:
  • Features iconic works from the National Romantic period, realism, and modernism.
• International Art:
  • Includes pieces by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Paul Klee.
• Decorative Arts:
  • A wide array of furniture, glass, ceramics, and textiles spanning centuries.

Visitor Experience

• Exhibitions: The museums regularly host temporary exhibitions alongside their permanent collections.
• Workshops and Events:
  • Art workshops, lectures, and family-friendly activities are often organized.
• Accessibility: The museums are well-equipped for visitors with mobility challenges, and the composer homes offer accessible tours.
• Gift Shop: Offers a range of art books, prints, and Norwegian design items.

Opening Hours and Admission

• Opening hours vary depending on the season and specific museum building, but most are open from late morning to early evening.
• Tickets often cover access to all KODE buildings, and separate tickets may be required for the composer homes.

How to Get There

• Location: The main KODE buildings are situated in Bergen’s city center, easily accessible on foot from the central train station or by public transportation.
• Composer Homes: Troldhaugen and Siljustøl can be reached via car or public transport, while Lysøen requires a boat trip.