December 2002
Wholly Enchanting
The tradition of setting up a Nativity scene around Christmastime has a long history—at least 400 years in fact. Anyone wanting to take a closer look at this fascinating subject should visit the newly renovated crèche exhibition at the Bavarian Nationalmuseum. More than 60 Nativity scenes primarily from the Alpine region and Italy are on show here, made from materials as diverse as wood, clay, wax and cloth. Many of the exhibits were donated by a single collector, Max Schmederer (1854–1917),
a Munich financier. As well as detailing the history and background of nativity scenes, the exhibition highlights the many different religious interpretations of this custom; from the simple piety of early depictions to the more ornate creations of the 19th century. For more information call (089) 21 12 42 16 or visit
www.bayerisches-nationalmuseum.de . The museum is closed on Mondays and on December 25.
