Lysøen

About the museum

The violin virtuoso and composer Ole Bull (1810–1880) from Bergen had the summer villa on Lysøen built in 1872–73. He was then over sixty, but newly married and the father of a little daughter, and he wanted a new home for his new family. He called the villa his “little Alhambra”. It is regarded as a highlight of Norwegian historicism and is richly decorated with exotic ornaments and a tower shaped like an onion dome.

After Ole Bull's death, his family in the USA used the villa as a summer residence. In 1973 Sylvea Bull Curtis gave the property to Fortidsminneforeningen in Bergen, and Lysøen opened as a museum in 1974. Kode today manages the site on behalf of Fortidsminneforeningen. The collection after Ole Bull and his descendants comprises about 2,000 objects, including furniture, photographs, art objects, scores, violins and toys from the period 1920–1950.

The villa closed in 2019 for extensive rehabilitation, because the building was in poor condition after decades of damp and leaks. All the objects have been removed for registration, cleaning and documentation. It has not been decided when the villa will reopen. The island itself, with walking trails, bathing coves, a viewing tower in memory of Ole Bull and an old farmyard from the 17th century, is open all year round for those with their own boat.

Highlights

• Ole Bull's fairy-tale summer villa from 1872–73, the “little Alhambra”
• Collection of around 2,000 objects, including Ole Bull's violins
• Walking trails, bathing coves and picnic spots on the island
• Viewing tower in memory of Ole Bull and an old farmyard from the 17th century
• Music hall that was used for summer concerts

Permanent exhibition

• Ole Bulls villa og samlingen på Lysøen – Ole Bull's summer villa with furniture, art objects and violins from his time; the villa is closed for rehabilitation.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Kode (for Fortidsminneforeningen)

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

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

There is a gravel road from the quay to the villa, and both levels of the villa are accessible from ground level. The museum's new boat is adapted for wheelchair users and has an accessible toilet, and there is an accessible toilet at Gamletunet by the quay. Companion cards are accepted. Guide dogs are allowed in the villa.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The island suits the whole family, with several kilometres of walking trails, a landing quay, bathing spots and picnic areas.

Getting there & parking

From Bergen city centre, drive south on the E39, take exit 65 Drange and follow county road 5156 past the Lysekloster ruins to Buena kai. By your own boat you can moor at Lysøen.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café and kiosk at Gamletunet by the quay, where maps of the walking trails can be bought; public toilets at the kiosk and at Buena kai. A total ban applies on all use of fire, including smoking and barbecuing.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit