NHH has changed much since it was first conceived over 100 years ago. Norway's first business school is now part of a global network comprising some of the world's leading institutions for the research and teaching of economics and business administration. This has been achieved over the last 100 years, with much work done to establish a Norwegian school of business in Bergen before the doors opened in 1936.

The growth and development of NHH is described in five sections:
1900-1936: Establishing a Norwegian school of business in Bergen
1936-1963: NHH opens and sets to work
1963-1980: A new campus and rapid growth
1980-2000: Specialisation and international expansion
2000-present: Continued growth and development into the 21st Century