Museums
Looking for a museum experience in Bergen? Whether you’re into history, science, art, or culture, the city’s museums have something for everyone.
Explore maritime heritage, admire impressive art collections, learn about Norway’s past, and get inspired by interactive exhibitions!
Lysverket, located in Bergen, is one of the museums operated by KODE, a prominent art and cultural institution. Known for showcasing some of the oldest artworks in KODE’s collection, spanning from 1400 to 1900, Lysverket has also highlighted international modernist art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Anna-Eva Bergman, and Asger Jorn, with the Stenersen collection being a centerpiece.
The museum was also home to a popular permanent exhibition dedicated to Nikolai Astrup, though information about its return is forthcoming. Currently, Lysverket is undergoing renovations, with no exhibitions on display at the moment. However, visitors can still enjoy the Michelin-starred restaurant on the first floor, which shares the museum’s name.
The Rasmus Meyer Museum is perfect for art lovers and history enthusiasts. Named after businessman and collector Rasmus Meyer, this museum houses one of Norway’s finest art collections, offering a captivating journey through the golden age of Norwegian art.
The museum is home to the third-largest collection of Edvard Munch’s works in the world, making it a must-visit for fans of the legendary artist. Alongside Munch’s masterpieces, the collection showcases over 800 works of Norwegian art, spanning mainly from 1814 to 1914. Visitors can explore works by renowned Norwegian artists such as J. C. Dahl, Hans Gude, Harriet Backer, Christian Krohg, Kitty Kielland, Nikolai Astrup, and Erik Werenskiold, as well as the Matisse-inspired modernists Henrik Sørensen and Jean Heiberg.
Beyond paintings, the museum offers a glimpse into Bergen’s past with historic interiors, including the exquisite Blumenthal Room, adorned with beautifully preserved ceiling and wall paintings from around 1760. While the permanent collection** remains largely unchanged, temporary exhibitions offer fresh perspectives on Norwegian art.
The museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious about Norway’s cultural heritage, a visit to the Rasmus Meyer Museum promises a rich and inspiring experience.
Currently undergoing restoration, the Stenersen museum is home to an extraordinary collection donated by businessman and art collector Rolf Stenersen. In 1971, Stenersen generously transferred parts of his collection to the city for just a fraction of its value, with the condition that a dedicated museum would be built to house it. Designed by architect Sverre Lied, the museum opened in 1978, drawing inspiration from functionalist museum architecture seen in institutions like Kunsthaus Zürich and the Munch Museum.
The collection features over 250 pieces, with a strong focus on visual arts and sculpture. Highlights include remarkable works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Asger Jorn, and Victor Vasarely, offering visitors an opportunity to experience groundbreaking movements in modern art.
After years of modifications to the original building, Kode*is now working to restore the museum in alignment with Lied’s original vision. Though the museum is temporarily closed, it promises to reopen as a thoughtfully designed space that does justice to both the architecture and the world-class collection it holds.
When open, the Stenersen museum welcomes visitors Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00. Keep an eye out for updates on its reopening—this is a cultural landmark you won’t want to miss.
Tucked away in the scenic landscape of Rådal, Bergen, Siljustøl Museum offers a unique glimpse into the life and music of Harald Sæverud, one of Norway’s most celebrated composers. This was not just his home but also his creative sanctuary, where he lived with his wife, Marie Hvoslef, and composed some of his most renowned works.
Built in 1939, the house is a fascinating blend of architectural charm and personal history. The music hall, at the heart of the home, remains as it was during Sæverud’s lifetime and continues to host concerts throughout the year. Visitors can also explore his study, grand piano, and personal artifacts, preserved just as he left them when he passed away in 1992.
While the museum building is open on Sundays during the summer months and for special concerts year-round, the surrounding hiking area is open all year. Nature lovers can explore the picturesque grounds while listening to a free audio guide, which shares stories about Sæverud and his music through an app on your phone.
A world of discovery awaits at VilVite, Bergen’s interactive science center, where visitors of all ages can explore, experiment, and engage with science in a fun and hands-on way. With around 120,000 visitors annually, it is one of the largest science centers in the Nordic region.
At the heart of VilVite is its large interactive exhibition, covering fascinating topics like the human body and health, climate and the planet, energy, the ocean, and technology. Families can dive into exciting activities—play with water, experience nature’s cycles, step into a virtual VR world, go on a deep-sea expedition, or challenge themselves on the interactive climbing wall.
Every weekend and during holidays, visitors can enjoy live science shows, programming workshops, and hands-on activities, making science both educational and entertaining. Whether you’re a child, parent, or curious adult, VilVite offers a unique space where learning feels like play.
Perfect for families, students, and curious minds, VilVite is a great destination for those eager to discover the wonders of science in an engaging and interactive way.
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 09:00–15:00
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00–17:00
A visit to the University Museum of Bergen is a journey through Norwegian natural and cultural history. Established in 1865 and designed by Danish architect Johan Henrik Nebelong, the museum has long been a center for scientific discovery and public education.
The Natural History Collections showcase a diverse range of exhibits in geology, zoology, and botany, with some displays preserved from the museum’s earliest days, offering insight into Norwegian museum history. Visitors can explore scientific collections of insects, vertebrates, and marine species as well as a digital exhibition featuring highlights from the collection. Surrounding the main museum building is the Museum Garden, established in the 1880s, featuring over 3,000 plant species from Norway and beyond.
For those who love the outdoors, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Milde, just outside Bergen, is home to over 5,000 plant species, including the largest rhododendron collection in the Nordic region. The beautifully varied landscape, with its small pond, shoreline, and winding paths, is accessible to most visitors, including wheelchair users.
The Cultural History Collections—normally housing archaeological, ethnographic, and art history exhibitions—are currently closed for renovation. However, visitors can still see select cultural history exhibits displayed within the Natural History building.
With its mix of science, history, and nature, the University Museum of Bergen is a must-visit for those looking to experience Norway’s rich heritage in an engaging and educational setting.
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00–16:00
Sunday: 11:00–17:00
Located in Møhlenpris, the Bergen Technical Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s industrial and technological history. Established in 1974 by an interest group dedicated to creating a technical museum in Bergen, the museum found its home in 1990 inside what is now known as the Tram Hall.
The Tram Hall was originally part of Bergen Elektriske Sporvei, serving as a hub for storing, repairing, and maintaining the city’s trams. Today, it remains largely unchanged, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the golden age of public transportation in Bergen.
Another highlight of the museum is The Printing House, which showcases the evolution of modern communication and public education through the art of printing. This working exhibit features Norway’s oldest operational printing machine, still used to produce prints and printed materials available for purchase.
With its hands-on approach and dedication to preserving Bergen’s technical heritage, the Bergen Technical Museum is a must-visit for history and technology enthusiasts.
At St. Jørgen’s Hospital, the Leprosy Museum offers a powerful glimpse into one of Bergen’s most significant historical sites. This unique cultural monument offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who once lived here, while also shedding light on the impact of leprosy in Norway and the groundbreaking research that made Bergen a global center for leprosy studies.
Located in one of Europe’s best-preserved leprosy hospitals, the museum tells a scientific and human story, revealing how a large-scale investment in medical research and healthcare helped shape modern treatment for the disease. The hospital’s archives are part of the Leprosy Archives in Bergen, recognized by UNESCO’s Memory of the World for their historical importance.
Visitors can explore the permanent exhibition in the main building at their own pace or join a guided tour to gain deeper insight into the medical and personal history behind this remarkable site. A visit here is not just about learning history—it’s about stepping into the lives of those who experienced it.
Opening hours:
21 May – 7 September:
11:00 – 15:00
Step into Norway’s rich maritime history at the Bergen Maritime Museum, one of the country’s oldest specialized museums. Officially opened in 1927, the museum has grown significantly over the decades, welcoming over one million visitors since moving to its current building in 1962. Today, it attracts more than 28,000 visitors annually, including many school groups eager to explore the fascinating world of seafaring.
Housed in an impressive museum building, the exhibitions bring maritime history to life, immersing visitors in tales of adventure, friendship, daring, and drama. The museum provides a comprehensive look at Norway’s maritime past, with a special focus on Bergen’s role as a seafaring hub from ancient times to today.
Through an engaging mix of ship models, historical artifacts, illustrations, films, and archaeological finds, visitors can trace Bergen’s evolution as a maritime city. The museum also features special exhibitions on current topics, offering deeper insight into themes like international trade, technology, naval warfare, and migration.
If you’re curious about the stories of sailors and explorers, intrigued by naval warfare, or fascinated by the engineering of historic ships, the Bergen Maritime Museum is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Norway’s deep connection to the sea.
Opening hours:
January – April:
Daily: 11:00 – 15:00
Extended hours on Thursdays: 11:00 – 18:00
May – September:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Visiting Bryggens Museum gives a fascinating glimpse into medieval life through thousands of artifacts, archaeological discoveries, and historical research. This unique museum brings visitors closer to the everyday experiences of the people who lived in Bergen and Western Norway centuries ago.
One of the museum’s most captivating exhibits features runic inscriptions—messages etched onto wood and bone—revealing gossip, poetry, and even ancient spells, shedding light on the emotions, beliefs, and relationships of the time. Meanwhile, ceramics from Europe and the Middle East highlight Bergen’s role in a vast international trade network.
Bryggen has been a vital part of Bergen’s identity since the Middle Ages. Both its historic wooden buildings and the rich cultural layers preserved beneath the ground are recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A turning point in Bryggen’s history came in 1955 when a fire destroyed part of the area. This tragedy led to an extensive 13-year archaeological excavation, unearthing hundreds of thousands of objects that provide unparalleled insight into medieval urban life.
Established in 1976, Bryggens Museum was built to showcase these remarkable findings. The museum’s structure itself sits atop the remains of Bergen’s oldest buildings, dating back to the early 1100s. These architectural remnants remain a key part of the museum’s permanent exhibition, offering visitors an immersive journey into Bergen’s medieval past.
For history enthusiasts and curious travelers, Bryggens Museum is a must-visit destination, where the past comes to life through tangible remnants of a thriving medieval city.
Opening hours:
13 January – 30 April:
10:00 – 15:00
Closed 1 – 12 January
2 May – 30 September:
10:00 – 17:00
Closed 1 and 17 May
1 October – 30 December:
10:00 – 15:00
Closed 23 – 26 & 31 December
Explore Bryggen as the Hanseatic merchants knew it! Visit the German merchants’ assembly rooms and kitchen/cook houses, Schøtstuene, and the World Heritage Site Bryggen with us. English guided tours all year during the weekends/daily, and several other languages in the summer season. Activities for children and seats in the garden.
The main part of the museum is located in Finnegården, one of the conserved wooden buildings on Bryggen in Bergen, Norway. The museum covers the Hanseatic League period of time in Bergen. The German guild of merchants had created an overseas office at Bryggen by 1360. During the following four centuries, the site consisted of assembly halls for the Hanseatic merchants. It was forbidden to use fire in the other buildings on Bryggen, hence all cooking of food took place at Schøtstuene, for which the museum is also responsible
Schøtstuene, the beautiful assembly rooms of the Hanseatic merchants and a part of The Hanseatic Museum, are located at the World Heritage Site Bryggen.
Guided tours, exhibitions and family activities let you explore different aspects of the Hanseatic merchants’ lives and work, as well as Bergen as an important international trading post from the Middle Ages until 1760.
Schøtstuene, with its typical and colourful wooden buildings, has four assembly rooms; two cook houses and a nice garden with seating.
Join our guided tours in several languages from Schøtstuene through the narrow passageways of the World Heritage Site to discover Bryggen’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading.
Their museum gift shop is located at Bryggen 33 and offers themed gifts and souvenirs of high quality.
Opening hours:
February – April:
Daily 11:00 – 15:00
Guided tour in English at 12:00 every Saturday and Sunday
May:
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Guided tour in English at 12:00 and 15:00 every day
June – September:
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Guided tour in English at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 every day
Just a short trip from Bergen, the Textile Industry Museum at Salhus offers a fascinating journey into Norway’s industrial past. Housed in the former Salhus Tricotagefabrik, a historic knitwear factory that operated from 1859 to 1989, this unique museum brings the history of textile production in Western Norway to life.
Join a guided tour of the former factory and experience the sights, sounds, and textures of a bygone era. Feel the softness of carded wool, hear the rhythmic clatter of historic knitting machines, and take in the distinct scent of oil and wool as you watch these century-old machines in action. The museum captures the essence of Norway’s industrial heritage, showcasing the transformation of raw materials into finished garments.
Beyond the factory floor, visitors can explore the charming factory town of Salhus, enjoy contemporary Norwegian textile art in the on-site gallery, or relax at the cozy café, which offers homemade cakes and fresh bread with stunning views of the Salhus Fjord. The wonderful museum shop, offering locally produced and one-of-a-kind textile items.
The museum offers tailor-made educational programs for groups, as well as year-round events focused on textiles, industrial history, and cultural heritage. Knitting enthusiasts will love the monthly knitting café and the biennial Bergen Strikkefestival (Bergen Knit Fest), held every other September, transforming the historic space into a haven for hand-knitting and creative inspiration.
Families with children will also find plenty to enjoy, with dedicated guided tours for young visitors, a play area in the café, and hands-on textile activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Situated by the sea, just north of Bergen city center, the Textile Industry Museum offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. If you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a unique day trip, this museum is a splendid destination that beautifully illustrates Norway’s journey from the early days of industrialization to the present day.
Opening hours 2025:
23 February – 29 June:
Wednesday – Friday 11:00 – 15:00, Sunday 12:00 – 17:00
Closed on public holidays, during Easter, and on 4 May
2 July – 31 August:
Wednesday – Saturday 11:00 – 16:00, Sunday 12:00 – 17:00
3 September – 14 December:
Wednesday – Friday 11:00 – 15:00, Sunday 12:00 – 17:00
Galleri Salhus, the café, and the museum shop follow the same opening hours as the museum.
East of Bergen, near Indre Arna, lies Espeland Prison Camp—Norway’s only fully preserved German prison camp from World War II. Of the more than 600 prison camps established in Norway, Espeland remains one of the best-preserved in Europe, showing visitors an important and thought-provoking glimpse into history.
Built in 1942, Espeland Prison Camp initially housed prisoners transferred from Ulven Camp. Throughout the war, over 2,000 men and women were detained here, the youngest just 16 years old and the oldest 80. The camp was primarily used as a transit site for political prisoners, reflecting a dark yet crucial chapter in Norwegian history.
Today, Espeland Prison Camp serves as a center for historical education, focusing on peace and human rights. Visitors can explore several exhibitions and preserved buildings, gaining deeper insight into the conditions and stories of those who were imprisoned here. A guided tour enhances the experience, featuring lectures, film screenings, and historical context.
At the main entrance, an information board provides brochures with a map of the camp, allowing visitors to follow a self-guided route through the site. Benches and green areas offer quiet spaces for reflection. Additionally, the camp is situated near beautiful hiking trails such as Skåldalsnipa and Gulfjellet, making it easy to combine a historical visit with an outdoor adventure.
Espeland Prison Camp offers a rare and sobering look into Norway’s past. Its commitment to preserving history and educating future generations makes it a unique and valuable destination near Bergen.
Located in the city center, right next to Den Nationale Scene, the Gestapo House—often referred to as the “House of Horror”—stands as a chilling reminder of the brutality inflicted during World War II. This historic site, once the headquarters of the Gestapo, preserves the harrowing stories of those who were imprisoned and tortured within its walls.
As part of the German Security Police (Sipo), the Gestapo became infamous for their ruthless interrogation methods. More than 3,000 prisoners passed through the Gestapo House, many of whom endured severe torture. Some, driven to despair, took their own lives by leaping from the building’s windows.
The museum’s authentic prison cells are among the most unique of their kind. The walls, from floor to ceiling, bear inscriptions carved by former prisoners—messages of resistance, desperation, and defiance. These inscriptions offer a rare and poignant insight into life under captivity, not only during the war but also in the post-war period, when the site was used to detain war criminals and traitors.
The Gestapo Museum serves as an interactive information center that delves deep into the ideology and brutality of the Nazi regime. Visitors can follow the journey of prisoners, listen to firsthand accounts from both victims and interrogators based on post-war police records, and explore themes such as war crimes, betrayal, and the role of women in wartime.
While the museum unflinchingly presents the horrors of war, it also highlights stories of resilience, courage, and hope. Visitors can choose how deeply they wish to engage with the material, making it a profound and personal experience. Due to the intense nature of its content, the Gestapo Museum is recommended for visitors aged 13 and above.
For those seeking to understand Bergen’s wartime history and the impact of totalitarianism, the Gestapo Museum offers a powerful and sobering visit, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.
Opening hours:
Monday 10:00 – 15:30
Thursday 14:00 – 18:00