diff --git a/lib/OpenLayers/Layer.js b/lib/OpenLayers/Layer.js
index 2aa119e4ce..4f18e91f1b 100644
--- a/lib/OpenLayers/Layer.js
+++ b/lib/OpenLayers/Layer.js
@@ -58,7 +58,9 @@ OpenLayers.Layer.prototype = {
     */
     setVisibility: function(visible) {
         this.div.style.display = (visible) ? "block" : "none";
-        this.moveTo(this.map.getExtent());
+        if ((visible) && (this.map != null)) {
+            this.moveTo(this.map.getExtent());
+        }
     },
     
     /** @final @type String */