Christmas In Miniature: Nativity Scenes

From Around The World

NEW HAVEN — In cooperation with the Associazione Italiana Amici del Prescipio, the Knights of Columbus Museum is presenting “Christmas In Miniature: Crèches from Around the World” through January 29. The exhibit consists of 47 Nativity scenes from all over the world.

Designed in Italy, the exhibition is being shown exclusively at the Knights of Columbus Museum. Examples of crèches come from Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the United States.

A number of the pieces were borrowed from the Museo Internazionale del Presepe and the Vatican. The 3rd Century gravestone of Severa is by far the oldest piece in the collection. This is the first recorded display of the Nativity scene.

Also included in the collection is a gift from Yassar Arafat to the late Pope John Paul II. This beautiful mother of pearl inlaid crèche was presented to Pope John Paul during his trip to the Middle East. It consists of two large pieces that include the Nativity and The Last Supper. Many of the items on exhibit are very large and have hundreds of pieces.

The exhibit is being presented in the museum’s main lobby, Dechant galleries I and II, as well as the changing galleries. A general history of the crib or crèche is also included.

Specialists from Italy have set up the exhibition, and will return to remove this exhibition exclusive to the Knights of Columbus Museum. It is the first time any of these will be shown in the United States.

The Knights of Columbus Museum plans to run several Christmas season exhibitions on crèches from other countries.

For further information contact Kimberly McCarthy at 203-865-0400 extension 227. The museum is at 1 State Street in New Haven. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am until 5 pm.