Magistratbygningen

Magistratbygningen consists of two connected structures forming a unified administrative complex in central Bergen. The eastern section is notably older while the western portion was added later to provide additional space as the city administration grew.

The eastern section originates from the early 18th century while the city acquired the property in the early 19th century to create an administrative center. The building was expanded and renovated multiple times over the 20th century to meet changing needs of municipal operations.

The building reflects how municipal governance evolved in Norway and shows how city officials organized their daily work over time. It stands as a physical reminder of the administrative structures that shaped Bergen's development.

The building sits centrally at Rådstuplassen square and is easily accessible on foot. The location has good public transport connections and sits near other sites of interest, allowing a visit as part of a wider city walk.

From 1841 to 1913, one section of the building served as a labor facility for people facing hardship, a dark chapter in Bergen's past. Later the same structure housed maritime training, showing how the space's purpose transformed completely.