KODE Art Museums | Bergen

The KODE Art Museums in Bergen, Norway, form one of the largest and most important art museum complexes in the country. The museums are known for their diverse collections of fine art, design, and music, and they are a key cultural hub in the city. KODE comprises four museums and a composer’s residence that together showcase a wide range of art, from classical to contemporary, and offer a rich cultural experience for visitors.

1. Overview of the KODE Art Museums

KODE includes four different museums, each dedicated to specific collections or types of art:

• KODE 1 (The Art Museum)
• KODE 2 (The Design and Decorative Art Museum)
• KODE 3 (The Contemporary Art Museum)
• KODE 4 (The Composer’s Residence)

These museums are located in Bergen’s city center, and they are all within walking distance of each other, making it easy for visitors to explore the full range of art on display.

2. KODE 1 - The Art Museum

Focus and Collections:

• KODE 1 houses a collection of European paintings and sculptures, including works from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The museum’s collection highlights art from Norway, Germany, France, and other European countries, with a special emphasis on Norwegian artists.
• Notable artists in the collection include Edvard Munch, Harald Sohlberg, Jens Ferdinand Willumsen, and Gustav Vigeland.
• The museum's spacious galleries allow visitors to appreciate the evolution of European art, with significant attention given to Norway’s role in artistic development.

Exhibitions and Special Events:

• The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing both classical art and pieces from contemporary artists.
• Visitors can expect to see thematic exhibitions that explore various periods, movements, and styles in European and Norwegian art.

3. KODE 2 - The Design and Decorative Art Museum

Focus and Collections:

• KODE 2 is dedicated to design, craft, and decorative arts from both Norway and abroad, with collections spanning several centuries. The museum houses furniture, ceramics, silver, textiles, and other forms of applied art.
• One of the highlights of the museum is the Norwegian Design Collection, which features functional objects and decorative items from the 19th and 20th centuries. This collection offers insights into the development of Norwegian design and craftsmanship, with a focus on modernist and Art Nouveau styles.
• The museum also hosts pieces by internationally recognized designers, showcasing the artistry and innovation of design traditions from various cultures.

Exhibitions and Activities:

• KODE 2 frequently organizes exhibitions of decorative art and industrial design, providing a platform for both historical and contemporary design. Visitors can see works by renowned designers such as Peder Moos, Fridtjof Sætre, and Torbjørn Afdal.

4. KODE 3 - The Contemporary Art Museum

Focus and Collections:

• KODE 3 is Bergen’s contemporary art museum, featuring an ever-evolving collection of modern art and contemporary works. The museum showcases a wide variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art.
• KODE 3 is dedicated to displaying works by both Norwegian and international contemporary artists, with a focus on avant-garde and cutting-edge art forms.
• The museum’s collection includes works by prominent contemporary artists, such as Lars Elling, Olav Christopher Jenssen, and Tom Sachs.

Exhibitions and Special Programs:

• KODE 3 regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on global trends in contemporary art. The museum also offers a dynamic program of public lectures, performances, and artist talks, making it a vibrant space for cultural exchange.
• Temporary exhibitions feature works that challenge traditional definitions of art, often engaging with social issues, politics, and the environment.

5. KODE 4 - The Composer’s Residence (Troldhaugen)

Focus and Collections:

• KODE 4 is the museum dedicated to the legacy of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. It is located in Troldhaugen, Grieg’s former home, and it focuses on his life, music, and contributions to Norwegian and European classical music.
• The house where Grieg lived is now a museum that includes his personal belongings, manuscripts, and various artifacts related to his musical career.
• The composer’s residence offers visitors the chance to step into the world of Grieg, exploring the environment that inspired many of his iconic works, such as the Piano Concerto in A minor and Peer Gynt Suites.

Grieg’s Music and Legacy:

• Visitors can also explore the Grieg Museum at Troldhaugen, which includes exhibits on the composer’s music, his influences, and the broader impact of his work on classical music.
• The museum hosts regular concerts in Grieg’s composer’s cabin, where live performances of his compositions bring his music to life in the same setting where he composed some of his most famous works.

6. Visitor Experience and Educational Programs

Guided Tours and Activities:

• KODE offers guided tours that cover all four museums, giving visitors insight into the collections and the history behind the art on display. These tours are available in multiple languages and are tailored to various interests, from art history to design and music.
• The museums also offer workshops, talks, and events that engage with contemporary issues and provide hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.

KODE Museum Shop:

• Each museum has its own museum shop where visitors can purchase books, art prints, design objects, and local handicrafts. The shop offers a variety of items that reflect the themes of the museum’s collections, making it a great place to find unique souvenirs.

7. Accessibility and Practical Information

• Location:
  • The KODE Art Museums are located in the city center of Bergen, and they are easily accessible on foot or by public transportation. The museums are situated in and around the Byparken area, near the Bergenhus Fortress and Fløibanen Funicular.
• Opening Hours:
  • The museums are generally open year-round, but it’s advisable to check specific opening hours as they may vary depending on the season or special events. The museums are closed on certain public holidays, so visitors should verify schedules in advance.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Tickets for the museums can be purchased individually or as a combined ticket for all four KODE museums, offering visitors access to the full range of exhibitions. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups.

8. Conclusion

The KODE Art Museums in Bergen provide a rich and diverse cultural experience that appeals to art enthusiasts, music lovers, and design aficionados alike. From classical art to modern design and the legacy of Edvard Grieg, KODE is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Bergen's artistic and cultural scene. The museums offer a deep dive into Norwegian and international artistic heritage, and their varied collections ensure there is something for everyone to appreciate.