Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

About the museum

The idea of a maritime museum in Bergen was launched in 1914 by Bergens Rederiforening (the Bergen Shipowners' Association) and Bergens Skipperforening (the Bergen Skippers' Association). The association Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum was founded on 13 April 1921, and the museum officially opened on 18 February 1927 in rented premises in Historisk Museum. Even then the premises were too small for the growing collections.

In 1954 the University of Bergen made a site at Fastings Minde available. The museum had a building fund and in addition received a large gift from the shipping company Westfal-Larsen & Co. The architect Per Grieg designed the building, construction started in the summer of 1959, and the new museum building was inaugurated on 30 April 1962. In November 2013 the museum passed one million visitors since its opening.

The museum tells Norwegian maritime history and the development of shipping from the earliest times until today. The exhibitions include, among others, shipbuilding, the age of sailing ships, coastal and fjord boats, tanker and liner traffic, the world wars and the training ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The newest exhibition, “Vikingskipet” (“The Viking Ship”), opened in August 2025 and shows that ships and boats were also symbols of power and wealth.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum publishes the Sjøfartshistorisk årbok (maritime history yearbook) and has management responsibility for marine cultural heritage in Vestland and Sunnmøre. Around 40 per cent of visitors are school classes. The museum is part of Museum Vest.

Highlights

• The exhibition “Vikingskipet” on ships as symbols of power and wealth
• The training ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the exhibition
• The age of sailing ships and shipbuilding in Bergen
• Coastal and fjord boats, and tanker and liner traffic
• Norwegian seafarers' efforts and losses in the world wars

Permanent exhibitions

• Vikingskipet – The exhibition shows that ships and boats were not only practical means of transport but also symbols of power and wealth.
• Statsraad Lehmkuhl – The exhibition presents Bergen's training ship, one of the world's oldest and largest sailing ships in operation.
• Seilskutetiden – The age of the white sails is well represented in the museum's exhibitions.

Founded

1927

Operated by

Museum Vest

Director

Per Kristian Sebak

Admission & discounts

Members and members of the friends' association (with one guest) have free admission. Bergenskortet gives free admission. BT Fordel gives a 25 per cent discount on the ordinary adult ticket. Some events, such as the Maritime family days, have their own prices.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is adapted for people with reduced mobility, with a lift and a suitable toilet. Wheelchairs can be borrowed. One accessible parking space is located just outside the main entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum organises Maritime family days and has offers for school classes.

Getting there & parking

The museum is behind Johanneskirken (the Red Church) at the top of the stairs, with the University Library, the Natural History Museum and Muséparken as its nearest neighbours.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum has an auditorium for lectures and function rooms.

Plan your visit