The tradition of nativity scene exhibitions in Czechia started many years ago. Most nativity scenes are built before the Advent starts and visitors have a few weeks to put themselves into the right mood for the holiday season. And where go to see them? We would like to invite you to open-air and regular museums, and other interesting places across Czechia. Put yourself into the right mood for Christmas!
Nativity Scenes in Prague’s Churches
Originally, nativity scenes showed the scene of Jesus’ birth and people could only see them in churches. Over the time, they turned into a tradition that also spread into people’s homes. So, where in Prague can you see nativity scenes? Try the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul at Vyšehrad, where you can see a beautiful nativity scene from the nineteenth century from 24 December. The museum at the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Malá Strana (The Infant Jesus of Prague) houses a permanent exhibition of nativity scenes from all over the world – including Central and South America, Canada and the Philippines. The other traditional places where you can find a nativity scene at Christmas include the Church of St. Matthew in Dejvice, which has an interesting nativity scene made of gingerbread, in St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, at the Týn Church on Old Town Square, and in the Loreta.
Let’s Go to a Nativity Scene Museum!
There are several nativity scene museums in Czechia, and they are open all year round. The Karlštejn Nativity Scene Museum in Central Bohemia has a collection of old Czech nativity scenes carved from wood, but there are also nativity scenes made of other materials, such as sugar or bread. However, the most popular are mechanical nativity scenes and the Karlštejn Royal Nativity Scene. It is the largest puppet nativity scene with figurines of ten most important Czech sovereigns.
The Museum of Nativity Scenes in Třebechovice pod Orebem in East Bohemia has more than 400 nativity scenes made of various materials and coming from all regions of Czechia, some very old and some quite modern. The Třebechovice Probošt’s Nativity Scene is the only one in Czechia that has been declared a national cultural monument. It is about a hundred years old and has thousands of carved parts and about 350 figurines. Fifty-one of them even move individually and others are installed on a moving band. This seven-metre-long nativity scene will definitely capture both children and parents interested in technology!
You can also find a permanent exposition of nativity scenes in Třešť in Vysočina, which is one of the most important areas of nativity scene makers in the country. The largest traditional mechanical nativity scene, also recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, can be seen in Jindřichův Hradec all year round.
The Metelka mechanical Bethlehem display in Jilemnice in the Krkonoše Museum, which is more than 110 years old, is also worth seeing! The Bethlehem features 142 movable figures all powered by a single mechanism driven by a simple weight. The charm of the high-quality carving and the lifelike movements are enhanced by a unique sound programme. The experience begins with the striking of the clock, followed by the sounds of a night watchman and a fireman. Then, angels take up their instruments and awaken the display with a joyful Krkonoše carol. Two orchestras accompany the midnight scene with Czech carols, and finally the angels bring the display to rest with a gentle Christmas lullaby.
The Loštice Bethlehem Display in Loštice, Moravia has been a labour of love for over 30 years. Created by carver Jaroslav Beneš, this work features more than 300 figures! In addition to traditional biblical characters, the carver also captured depictions of real-life inhabitants of his town and Moravia. This movable display alternates between night and day, complete with sound effects. Visitors can admire this incredible work of art directly in the carver’s workshop.
Folk Nativity Scenes in an Open-Air Museum
At the end of November, the cottages in the open-air museum in Přerov nad Labem in Central Bohemia come to life with scenes from the life of old generations. Old Advent and Christmas customs are demonstrated in the interiors of the protected buildings. Besides old folk and church nativity scenes, the exhibition on Folk Christmas in Polabí (16.11.- 29.12.) also includes a continuously expanded collection of modern nativity scenes made of various materials.
Before Christmas, the largest Czech open-air museum, located Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, has revived the tradition of live nativity scenes. On December 21 and 22, starting at either 5 PM or 6 PM, visitors can enjoy a folk play depicting the birth of Jesus. The performance is inspired by the Gospels and enriched with elements from traditional Christmas shepherd plays.
The town of Hlinsko in East Bohemia does not stay behind. You can visit an exhibition called Christmas Nativity Scene in the Betlém Hlinsko preservation (11.12.-12.1.) You can look forward to decorated timber houses and nativity scenes made by folk artists. The unique mechanical Hlinsko nativity scene will also be on display. As well as the interesting Easter nativity scene, or scenes made of straw, paper, or even dough.
Where to See Outdoor Nativity Scenes
The picturesque village of Kryštofovo Údolí near Liberec puts a unique outdoor nativity scene on display at the end of November; it was created by academic artist Josef Jíra and it is beautifully lit in the evening.Near Hospital Kuks in East Bohemia, you will find an educational trail called Let’s Go to Bethlehem Together. It will take you from the square in Kuks to Braun’s nativity scene hidden in a forest. This nativity scene originally included 26 sculptural reliefs carved into the rocks and boulders. Only ten have been preserved.
Other tips for a trip include the beautiful Krkonoše fairy-tale nativity scene in the Vrchlabí chateau park in North Bohemia, or the unique wood-metal nativity scene at Kovozoo (30.11.-5.1.) near Uherské Hradiště in East Moravia, where animals are made of scrap iron and people figurines from wood. You can see a wide variety of nativity scenes through the windows of more than thirty houses and shops, as well as in churches, on a stroll around the picturesque little town of Štramberk, which, coincidentally, is known as the Moravian nativity scene for its beauty. There is definitely a lot to choose from.
