
Most people only see the
nativity scene during Christmas, but here at this Museo Internazionale del
Presepe in Rome, it can be seen during any season.
Alberto
Finizio
President, Italian Association of Friends of the NativityThe
museum is permanent. It's open all year, and activity goes on throughout the
year. We frequently prepare the exhibits for any occasion, the work keeps us
busy for many months. There is always activity here all year
round.The exhibit contains nativity scenes from more than 30
different countries around the world, including places as remote as Madagascar,
Australia, and Argentina. The styles and ages are as diverse as the cultures
they represent.
Alberto Finizio
President, Italian
Association of Friends of the NativityThey are so diverse. There are
Neapolitan shepherds from the 1700s to the 1800s. There is a nativity from a
Bolognese school from the late 1700s. There is a Sicilian nativity from the
1600s made of many small seashells. Then, there are also more modern works from
major artists who dedicate themselves to the Nativity
today.But the museum has come a long way since its humble
beginnings 41 years ago.
Alberto Finizio
President,
Italian Association of Friends of the NativityThe museum began in 1967. The
first Nativity was a private collection that the president of the association,
who was also the founder, donated to the museum. From then on, there were
additions of more nativities, some were purchased, some were donated, but it
gradually grew into what it is today.As you can imagine, the
museum have their hands full for the Christmas holiday season. They are hard at
work on a large nativity scene which will be unveiled in Piazza Navona on
December 22.