Kode - Rasmus Meyer building

In the heart of the picturesque city of Bergen, on the shores of a shimmering lake, lies one of the country's most significant artistic treasures — the Rasmus Meyer Collection. This museum, officially named KODE 3, is home to an outstanding collection of Norwegian art donated to the city in the early 20th century by a wealthy patron.

Rasmus Meyer Collection. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

For art lovers visiting this part of Norway, the museum is a must-see, as it houses one of the world's largest collections of works by the legendary Edvard Munch. The museum building itself is an architectural ornament of the city park, offering visitors an atmosphere of tranquility and aesthetic pleasure.

The exhibition covers the "Golden Age" of Norwegian painting from the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition to world-famous Expressionist canvases, it features interiors of historic Bergen homes, magnificent landscapes, and portraits that offer a glimpse into the past of Scandinavian culture through the artistic lens of great masters.

To ensure your visit to the museum is as comfortable as possible, we recommend checking the current information before you go. Below are the main contact details to help you reach the administration or quickly find the site on the city map.

The museum is part of the large KODE complex, so you can find information about the other buildings on the official website.

The main magnet for visitors here remains the room dedicated to Edvard Munch. You can spend hours contemplating his early works and iconic canvases that became symbols of global Expressionism. Beyond that, be sure to look for works by other Norwegian classics, such as Johan Christian Dahl and Harriet Backer, whose paintings masterfully capture the rugged beauty of Northern nature.

Since your ticket opens the doors to all buildings in the KODE complex (1–4), we recommend not limiting yourself to just one. In KODE 1, "Silver Treasure" and unique Chinese art await you; KODE 2 features modern installations; and if you are traveling with family, be sure to stop by KunstLab in KODE 4, where children can participate in creative experiments in an interactive laboratory.

After an immersive tour of the galleries, it is pleasant to spend some time in the cozy museum café or browse the gift shop, which sells high-quality reproductions, art books, and stylish designer items. Photography is allowed (without flash), so you can capture your favorite interior details or the views of the lake from the museum windows.

Finding the museum is easy, as it is located right in the center at the picturesque Rasmus Meyers allé 7, on the shores of Lake Lille Lungegårdsvann. If you are already strolling through the historic districts, it is just a short walk from most popular tourist spots.

For those who prefer public transport, city light rails and buses stop nearby, running through the central districts. If you are arriving from Bergen Airport (Flesland), it is most convenient to use the light rail (Bybanen) or the airport express bus; the journey to the center takes about 20–30 minutes.

Travelers arriving by car should keep in mind that parking spaces in the city center are limited, so it is better to leave your vehicle in one of the paid parking garages and continue on foot while enjoying the views of the city park.

The history of this collection is inextricably linked to the personality of Rasmus Meyer himself, a prominent Norwegian businessman and philanthropist who was one of the first to recognize the talent of Edvard Munch. In 1916, after his death, his heirs donated the unique private collection to the city, and in 1924, it found its home in a purpose-built building.

The building, known today as KODE 3, became a sanctuary for masterpieces of the "Golden Age" of Norwegian painting. Here, visitors can trace the evolution of national art from classic landscapes to Expressionism. Central to the exhibition are the works of Munch, including the famous painting "Evening on Karl Johan Street", painted in 1892.

In 2006, the museum became part of the large KODE association, which brought together several art venues and composers' house museums. Today, it is one of the largest cultural centers in Scandinavia, carefully preserving the traditions of private collecting and patronage from past centuries.

A thoughtful visit to the main exhibition in the KODE 3 building usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to enjoy Munch's masterpieces and appreciate the interiors where the works of 19th-century Norwegian masters are displayed.

However, keep in mind that your entry ticket is valid for two days and grants access to all four buildings in the KODE complex. If you plan to visit them all, as well as the museum shop or café, we recommend dedicating at least 4–6 hours to your cultural program, perhaps spreading it over the two days.

The museum welcomes visitors throughout the week, except for Monday, which is traditionally a closing day. Please note the slightly shorter working hours on weekends:

• Tuesday — Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Saturday — Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Monday: Closed

It is important to remember that a ticket to the Rasmus Meyer Collection entitles you to visit all KODE museum buildings and is valid for two days. We recommend checking the holiday schedule on the official website, as the museum may be closed on Norwegian public holidays (such as May 17th).

The museum's location in the cultural heart of the city makes it easy for tourists to combine viewing fine art with visits to other iconic landmarks. A walk through the surrounding area will reveal the architectural diversity and rich maritime history of the region.

Exploring the nearby streets and waterfronts will significantly enrich your trip, allowing you to see everything from modern sports facilities to medieval buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.