Art in Bergen: what to see
Bergen is not only the gateway to the fjords and historic neighbourhoods, but also an important cultural centre in Norway. The city is home to one of the largest and most impressive art complexes in the country, including the KODE galleries, exhibition spaces and memorial halls. These incredible spaces not only showcase the rich local culture but also the history of painting, sculpture and contemporary art. In this article, we'll show you what to see in Bergen, how the city differs from Oslo in terms of its artistic context, and which names and trends are worth remembering.
Which art collections in Bergen should you really check out?
The city's main art collections are kept in KODE Art Museums, four museums that bring together galleries, sculptures, decorative and applied arts, and contemporary art. The exhibition features paintings from Western Europe, including works by famous artists like Munch, Rembrandt and Picasso. It also showcases Norwegian masters such as Harald Sølberg and Ludwig Krønek, placing their art within the historical context of Norway. The Bergen collection also has a wide range of sculptures and decorative arts, including KODE 4, which is home to works of Norwegian modernism. The galleries of contemporary art ( ) are also important. If you love painting, sculpture or decorative arts, KODE is definitely the place to go.
How does Bergen compare to Oslo in terms of artistic focus?
Oslo focuses on a more "classical" approach to art museums, with a focus on national art (collections of European painting and contemporary art) and architectural research. In contrast, Bergen offers a deeper exploration of local traditions. It is a city that is proud of its history in the Norwegian painting movement and Scandinavian nature, while also looking to the future through contemporary art projects. Bergen is very proud of its Norwegian heritage and the national school of painting. Bergen also has a special focus on medieval and religious art, which is promoted by works and exhibitions dedicated to the cityscape and fjords.
Which famous artists are connected to Bergen?
First and foremost, Harald Solberg and Ludvig Krønek. Solberg is one of the most famous artists of Norwegian Romanticism. He is known for his paintings of fjord landscapes, which are full of light and bright colours. Kronek is famous for his paintings of the sea and city and country life. In the modern world, important artists include Thomas Hjulsten and Johannes Virholm, who focus on how people see nature and each other through digital art. All these names fit perfectly with the artistic image of the city and its musical and cultural history.
What makes KODE different from other museums in Bergen?
KODE is different from other museums in the city because it is a whole museum complex where art is in constant dialogue with nature and Norway's cultural heritage. It has four buildings, with art from different periods. At KODE, you can also see works by Munch, as well as collections of foreign masters (such as works by Rembrandt and Picasso), and works by contemporary Norwegian artists. While other galleries in the city focus on specific types of art (such as Bergen Kunsthall or Håkonshallen), KODE covers a wider range of artistic practices and is the most important art centre in Bergen.
Why should art lovers visit Håkonshallen?
Håkonshallen is not just an art gallery, but a historical site. It was built in 1261 as a royal residence, and is now one of Bergen's oldest buildings, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Håkonshallen is a place where you can see special exhibitions of ancient art and archaeology. It is a place where you can experience Norwegian medieval culture and also see modern art.
You can't really understand and compare Bergen's art with Oslo's art if you only have a short time.
If you're only visiting for a short time and want to see the difference, start with KODE and Bergen Kunsthall. The first one focuses on diversity, from classical art to painting and contemporary projects. The latter focuses on modern art and art related to urban culture and social issues. In Oslo, on the other hand, there is a greater focus on national and international collections, given Norway's significant role in European cultural history. Bergen and Oslo are very different. Bergen is all about local identity and nature. Oslo is more about culture.
What does Bergen think about modern art in Europe today?
In Bergen, as in Oslo, there is an active contemporary art scene, but here it is closely linked to the landscape, scenery and urban history. Local artists are interesting because they take the natural beauty of Norway and use it to speak to people all over the world. One artist who does this is Thomas Hjulten. He uses modern art technologies and ideas to explore natural things, and shows them in the context of the city, local traditions and modern culture.
Bergen is an amazing place where art and nature speak the same language. KODE is home to some of the most important collections in the country, including works by renowned sculptors and painters. The historic halls of Håkonshallen are a must-see, and the contemporary galleries such as Bergen Kunsthall are the perfect place to find the latest trends and inspiration. The city is a treasure trove of culture and creativity, and it will delight and inspire every visitor. Come and explore a city where artists are not just creators of paintings, but active participants in shaping Norway's visual culture.
We would absolutely love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
If you have any interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the article, we would love to hear from you – please leave a comment! We can't wait to hear from you! We're creating the most popular and useful blog about Norway, and we're so excited to share it with you.
