Museum für Volkskultur

Spittal an der Drau

Nativity Scenes in Upper Carinthia

Nativities are presented as historical examples from the 19th century from the museum's collections, as well as works by contemporary nativity builders and carvers from Upper Carinthia.

The different materials – wood, papier-mâché, minerals, and paper – along with various styles of nativity construction, ranging from the "Alpine nativity" to Oriental and Nazarene styles, are showcased in the exhibition.

As a special contrast to local nativity construction, the Museum of Folk Culture exhibits paper nativities of varying sizes. In earlier times, paper nativities were very popular among the "common people." The whole family would gather on winter evenings before Christmas to craft the nativity scene. They would paint, cut out, mold, and design together. This way, the entire family participated in the Christmas nativity. Unfortunately, this beautiful tradition has been forgotten in recent years. Plastic nativities from department stores often replace the customs of the past.

The loving design and cozy atmosphere make the exhibition a magical experience for children and adults during the Christmas season.

The exhibition can be seen from November 30, 2024, to January 30, 2025, at the Museum of Folk Culture, Schloss Porcia, in Spittal an der Drau.