About our exhibitions

Our exhibitions provide a representative picture of Norway’s, and particularly Bergen’s, maritime history from ancient times up until the present day.

The exhibitions encompass a mixture of cultural artifacts such as objects related to ships and life at sea, ship models, illustrations, films and other items. In addition, the museum aims to show regular temporary exhibitions, especially connected to Bergen’s diverse maritime history. Visitors should get a good general view of how Bergen has developed as a maritime port, and also immerse themselves in specialised topics.

From the Stone Age to the Viking Era

Gain insight into how our oldest vessels have evolved over thousands of years.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

Utility Boats

Small boats and cargo skiffs used along the coast, into fjords, on lakes, and rivers are referred to as utility boats. These had their heyday before motorboats took over.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

Tank and liner shipping

Norwegian tank and liner shipping increased significantly during the interwar years. While Bergen was among the Norwegian cities that invested most heavily in overseas liner shipping.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

Steamships

The transition from sail to steam was a revolution at sea, and Bergen was Norway's 'steamship capital.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

The World Wars

We tell the story of Norwegian seafarers at sea through two world wars.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

Coastal and Fjord boats

Steam power had a significant impact on societal development in the 18th and 19th centuries, ensuring that urban and rural areas went 'hand in hand'

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

The Age of Sail

The white sails' centuries are well represented in the museum's exhibitions.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding has been a central part of the city's craft activities for several hundred years.

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum

The school ships

The school ship cause has long traditions in Norway. The city's own school ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, is one of the world's oldest and largest sailing ships in operation

Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum