![Bryggens Museum, Bergen](/img/gd_attr/30217.jpg)
Bryggens Museum, Bergen
Bryggens Museum, situated in the historic heart of Bergen, serves as a cultural and historical repository dedicated to medieval Bergen and Western Norway. The museum was established in 1976 in response to a significant archaeological discovery following a devastating fire in 1955 that destroyed parts of Bryggen, the city's historic district. This event sparked extensive archaeological excavations that lasted for 13 years, unearthing hundreds of thousands of artifacts that provided unprecedented insights into medieval commerce, shipping, handicrafts, and daily life.
The museum is designed by architect Øivind Maurseth, who is also known for his work on the nearby Radisson SAS Hotel. Asbjørn Herteig, a notable archaeologist, was the museum's first curator and a key figure in its establishment. Since 2005, Bryggens Museum has been a part of the Bergen City Museum network.
Bryggens Museum's main exhibit, "Under Ground," showcases thousands of artifacts from Bryggen excavations, coupled with modern research. It provides insight into medieval life with runic inscriptions sharing personal stories and social dynamics. The exhibit also features ceramics from Europe and the Middle East, showcasing Bergen's global trade connections. Highlighting the collection is the Guddal garment, a rare intact piece of Norwegian medieval clothing dating back nearly a thousand years.
Moreover, the museum is built over the foundations of Bergen's oldest buildings from the first half of the 1100s, making these architectural remains a vital part of the permanent exhibition. This setup provides visitors with a tangible connection to life in medieval Bergen.
Bryggens Museum not only chronicles the history but also plays a crucial role in the preservation of Bryggen. After the 1955 fire, there was considerable debate over the future of the remaining wooden buildings with many locals initially favoring demolition. However, the revelations from the excavations shifted public opinion, leading to the preservation of Bryggen, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The museum is designed by architect Øivind Maurseth, who is also known for his work on the nearby Radisson SAS Hotel. Asbjørn Herteig, a notable archaeologist, was the museum's first curator and a key figure in its establishment. Since 2005, Bryggens Museum has been a part of the Bergen City Museum network.
Bryggens Museum's main exhibit, "Under Ground," showcases thousands of artifacts from Bryggen excavations, coupled with modern research. It provides insight into medieval life with runic inscriptions sharing personal stories and social dynamics. The exhibit also features ceramics from Europe and the Middle East, showcasing Bergen's global trade connections. Highlighting the collection is the Guddal garment, a rare intact piece of Norwegian medieval clothing dating back nearly a thousand years.
Moreover, the museum is built over the foundations of Bergen's oldest buildings from the first half of the 1100s, making these architectural remains a vital part of the permanent exhibition. This setup provides visitors with a tangible connection to life in medieval Bergen.
Bryggens Museum not only chronicles the history but also plays a crucial role in the preservation of Bryggen. After the 1955 fire, there was considerable debate over the future of the remaining wooden buildings with many locals initially favoring demolition. However, the revelations from the excavations shifted public opinion, leading to the preservation of Bryggen, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Bryggens Museum on Map
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Sight Name: Bryggens Museum
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Bergen, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Bergen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergen Shopping Tour
For centuries, since its establishment in the 1020s, Bergen has been an important commercial hub. As such, it is probably one of the oldest shopping destinations in Northern Europe. Today, Bergen features a variety of shops and markets scattered throughout the city.
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Bergen Introduction Walking Tour
It is a wonder Bergen has had so many fires in its history, considering it has averaged 200 days a year of rain. So, why the fires?
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Bergen's Architectural Jewels
Surprising as it may appear, but the seemingly small city of Bergen for centuries had been the largest in all of the Nordic countries. It also remained so for Norway until the 1830s. Apart from being the country's former capital (back in the 13th century), Bergen is well-known primarily for its astoundingly beautiful cityscape, formed by the backdrop of mountains and serene waterfront, much... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles