Cities
Norway Bergen Vestland Museum

Permanenten

About

Permanenten, part of KODE Art Museums in Bergen, is a landmark institution dedicated to craft, design and decorative arts, offering a rich perspective on Norway’s artistic traditions and modern creativity. Housed in an elegant early 20th‑century building near Lille Lungegårdsvann, it was originally established to showcase applied arts and remains one of the country’s most important venues for exploring the intersection of craftsmanship, material culture and contemporary design. Its bright, spacious galleries provide an ideal setting for both historic collections and innovative temporary exhibitions. Inside, visitors encounter everything from textiles, ceramics and furniture to jewellery, glass and modern design objects. The museum’s strong focus on Norwegian and Scandinavian craft heritage is complemented by international influences, creating a dialogue between tradition and experimentation. Permanent collections highlight the evolution of everyday objects into expressions of artistry, while rotating exhibitions introduce new voices and perspectives. Today Permanenten stands as a dynamic cultural space that celebrates the beauty of materials, the skill of makers and the ongoing relevance of design in shaping how we live.

Bergen Norway
Permanenten
Location

Permanenten is located in the heart of Bergen city center at Nordahl Bruns gate 9, housed in an imposing Renaissance-style building that was originally constructed in 1896. This grand landmark serves as one of the four main buildings of the KODE Art Museums of Bergen, specifically focusing on craft and design. It is perfectly situated overlooking Christies gate and the lush greenery of Byparken, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the city's cultural axis. The area surrounding Permanenten is the cultural soul of Bergen, filled with some of the city's most significant landmarks. Directly across the street lies the beautiful Lille Lungegårdsvannet, the octagonal lake that serves as a central landmark for the city. Surrounding this lake are the other KODE museum buildings, including the Stenersen and Rasmus Meyer collections, which house world-renowned works by Edvard Munch. Just a short walk away is the Grieg Hall, Bergen’s premier concert venue, and the Den Nationale Scene theater, offering a rich variety of performances. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Musikkpaviljongen and the surrounding city park offer a tranquil escape with beautiful floral displays.

University Museum of Bergen University Museum of Bergen Museum Bryggens Museum Bryggens Museum Museum Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene assembly rooms Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene assembly rooms Museum Bergen Maritime Museum Bergen Maritime Museum Museum Bergen Technical Museum Bergen Technical Museum Museum Buekorps Museum Buekorps Museum Museum Stenersen Museum Stenersen Museum Museum Rasmus Meyer Collection Rasmus Meyer Collection Museum Bergen Kunsthall Bergen Kunsthall Museum Leprosy Museum Leprosy Museum Museum Old Bergen Museum Old Bergen Museum Museum Norwegian Fisheries Museum Norwegian Fisheries Museum Museum Damsgård Manor Museum Damsgård Manor Museum Museum Bergen School Museum Bergen School Museum Museum Den Nationale Scene Den Nationale Scene Theatre Det Vestnorske Teateret Det Vestnorske Teateret Theatre Cornerteateret Cornerteateret Theatre Grieghallen Grieghallen Concert Hall Bergenhus Fortress Bergenhus Fortress Fortress Bergen Cathedral Bergen Cathedral Cathedral Mariakirken Mariakirken Church St. John's Church St. John's Church Church Nykirken Nykirken Church Korskirken Korskirken Church Fløibanen Fløibanen Tourist attractions Akvariet i Bergen Akvariet i Bergen Aquarium Sailor's Monument Sailor's Monument Monument Ludvig Holberg Statue Ludvig Holberg Statue Statue Nygårdsparken Nygårdsparken Park Byparken Byparken Park Nordnes Park Nordnes Park Park Muséhagen Muséhagen Park