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Palestine – Salesian Artistic Centre in support of young people and traditions

Italy – A diorama for Easter

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(ANS – Bethlehem) – For over 10 years, the Salesians and the International Volunteer Movement for Development have  been looking after the “International Museum of the Nativity” in Bethlehem, which displays cribs from all parts of the world. After a number of difficult years on account of the political situation, the Museum is once again a great religious tourist attraction in the Holy Land.

The Museum is located right at the centre of Christianity on the ground floor of the historic Salesian convent, a few minutes from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Inside there  over  200 Nativity scenes in different styles and sizes, and coming from all over the world. The international character is reflected in the variety of artistic traditions from various countries: carved wooden figures from Africa next to those from the Andes; cribs reflecting Asian reserve beside some extravagant European models.

A special place is given in the collection for the historical religious and artistic contribution of Italy given the tradition from the living crib of Saint Francis of Assisi at Greccio. There is space therefore for the various different regional traditions, Sicilian, Neapolitan, Roman, Ligurian and Venetian. The atmosphere of the Museum manages to combine the patient criterion of historical research, faithful miniature reproductions, reconstructions of countryside scenes, characteristic and spectacular original representations.

The purpose of the Museum, in addition to exhibiting the cribs, is to offer the visitor a spiritual reflection on the Nativity, and so there is soft musical accompaniment as a guide round the various rooms.

Promoted by UNESCO, the International Museum of the Nativity is supported by the Palestinian Authorities and the Italian Government. Inaugurated on Christmas Eve 1999, in the presence of Italian and Palestinian political and religious authorities as well as the Director General of UNESCO, the Museum was soon subject to closure as a result of the events connected with the second Intifada, the effects of which lasted several years.

Nevertheless in this period, the Museum was able to expand and diversify its collection thanks to donations of the works of artists from around the world. Today, a visit to the Museum is a spiritual and mystical experience and is linked to the meeting with Jesus and the nearby Basilica.

Published 18/11/2010