Nativity Exhibits - USA
Year-round exhibits

World Nativities - The many nativities in their vast international collection of 200 pieces are now displayed permanently in a new exhibit room.

Among displays of Polish history and culture are large szopki from the collection of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow shown on a rotating basis and one large szopka made here in the U.S. for the visit of Pope JohnPaul II in 1978. Check before going to be sure there are szopki on display.

Mid 18th century Neapolitan, presepio (Nativity and village scenes) in an 8' x 5 1/2' setting also 1/3 scale replica of Wit Stwosz altarpiece from the Bazylika Mariacka, Krakow, Poland with nativity scene on wings of the altar doors. In general the church is a repository of sacred art and relics.

In 2014, the McGrath Institute for Church Life began partnering with the Marian Library at the University of Dayton, bringing to Notre Dame's campus an exhibit of creches, or Nativity scenes, from around the world. Since 2020, we have shared this sacred art in a different way, through our digital Advent and Christmas Creche Calendar--a beautiful selection including creches, or Nativity scenes, from our previous six exhibits, as well as creches never before seen on the Notre Dame campus.

Our calendar begins on the First Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2025) and concludes on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 12, 2026). Once you sign up, you will receive a daily email with an image of a creche from a different part of the world, accompanied by a reflective description and a brief prayer. Click on the web link to sign up for the daily email.

The international creche museum showcases an impressive and diverse array of cultural interpretations of the nativity story, featuring some 2,000 nativity scenes from more than 100 countries worldwide. Among its treasures are 2 unique collections of 'Santons' from Provence, France, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the global and artistic celebration of Christmas. While admission is free, the museum appreciates free-will donations.

Display of large-size Fontanini Nativity figures set on pedestals in a vertical configuration in the chapel. Open M-F 9am-3pm, SA-SU 9am-12pm. If planning to come after 1 pm on a weekday it is best to call the parish office to see if the church would be open. The church & chapel are open all day Saturday until after the 4pm mass and Sunday until 5:30pm.

Billed as "The World's Largest Christmas Store," Bronner's lives up to its name when it comes to nativity sets. The store offers over 500 styles of nativities, ranging from ornaments, to advent calendars, to wall decor, to tabletop Nativities, half life-size, and life-size nativity sets. Every one of the more than 300 decorated trees have at least one nativity ornament. The Bronner family, who founded the store in 1945, exhibit their collection of over 100 nativities from around the world in the program center for guests to view. "Silent Night" Chapel, a replica of the Austrian church where the Christmas tune originated.

The Martha Spencer Rogers Creche Collection includes nearly 200 creches from over 80 countries around the world and presents the Christ child as belonging to each community. There are several dozen additional creches and a growing collection of Noah's Arks also on permanent view. Rogers, a Westminster member who began collecting creches in La Paz, Bolivia in the mid-1960s, donated both her collection and her custom display cases to the Westminster Collection in 2007. It now is on permanent view on the church's second floor and lower level.

Dia de los Reyes is an exhibit sharing the creches (nacimientos) from the collection of Faith Hutson and John Verploegh and includes ones from their world journeys. A $5/person donation supports art creation and installation in the Mesquite Historic District. Our collection is out year-round and can be viewed by appointment.

The Girard Wing of the Museum of International Folk Art contains some colorful and unique nativity sets in its "Multiple Visions: A Common Bond" display. Museum donors Alexander and Susan Girard collected nativity sets mostly from Europe and South America, and each one offers a fascinating look at the Holy Family and the night Jesus was born. The bright and open permanent exhibition appeals to children, and special guides and multimedia tours are available for families.

Perpetual Christmas Crib in lower church. Relic from the cave of the Nativity in Bethlehem set into rail in front of the crib. Check the website parish bulletins for annual seasonal display updates.

The Nativity of the Lord Jesus Church has a museum adjacent to its chapel that displays on a rotating basis a collection of 500+ nativity sets from around the world. The church basement also includes The Bethlehem Cave, a replica of the cave where Jesus was born. Call to schedule a group or personal tour.

The Marian Library Creche Collection began in 1984 thanks to the generous contributions of friends and donors. It has grown into an extensive collection of over 3,600 Nativity sets from around the world. The Creche Collection celebrates diverse Nativity traditions, adapted in different materials and styles, from over 100 cultures. A selection of Nativity sets is on display year-round in the Creche Museum, featuring "Mirror of Hope," a 12-foot-wide, 5-foot-high art installation with over 200 hand-painted clay figures by artist Kevin Hanna. With the birth of Christ at its center, surrounded by scenes from the Old and New Testaments, "Mirror of Hope" depicts the visual story of Creation, Incarnation, Resurrection, and Redemption.

Call Michele to make an appointment and to get the specific location near Dayton, Ohio. Several hundred nativity sets on rotating display throughout the year.

Mosack's is a family-owned and operated Christian retailer with an 8,000-square-foot store in Mentor, which is about 23 miles east of Cleveland. The store, with helpful & friendly staff, has a year-round display of a huge collection of a variety of styles of Nativities including a full display of heirloom Fontanini in 6 sizes from 3.5” to 20”, three styles of Willow Tree Nativities and other figurines, Joseph Studio figures and Nativities in sizes from 6” to 27” and 39”, Precious Moments Nativities, children’s Nativities, acrylic and metal Nativities, Advent Wreath Nativities and many more Nativities, Ornaments and other Christmas gifts! In addition are other faith-based items on display for every Christian occasion, including a large selection of many versions of the Bible & Bible helps, wall art, Christian jewelry, books, T-Shirts, Christ-centered Christmas greeting cards along with everyday styles, embossing and engraving services, candles, church goods, music & DVDs, and United States flags as well as deco flags, military flags, state and foreign flags and flagpoles. You will enjoy exploring MOSACK’S in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.

Gesu parishioner Cathy Lincoln has generously donated a wide range of Nativity scenes to Gesu Church in memory of her mother, Emma Lincoln. The extensive and colorful collection is in the Nativity Room off of the Gesu Church narthex.

Located in historic Bucks County, PA, one room of Visitors' Center displays more than 200 creches from around the world, including an 18th century presepio.

Chinese creche brought from China in 1943 by missionary, Deacon Katherine Putnam who served there for 33 years. Located inside chapel year round; moved into church during christmas season.

Billed as "the South's largest Christmas shopping village," the Incredible Christmas Place is located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. From ornate to simple, from ceramic to wooden, from realistic to representational, this huge retailer displays and sells a wide variety of nativity sets. Founded as a small business in 1986 by Hurshel and Marian Biggs, the unique holiday shopping village has grown to include 43,000 square feet of shopping space..

Cadena Nativity. Display is 32' long, 10' high, 20' deep and has 1287 items collected from California and Mexico over many years by Beatriz Rodriguez Cadena.

Bethlehem in Denton County is a small gallery built on a family farm Northern Texas. Judy Klein has amassed a large private collection of more than 3,500 creches and nativity scenes. Dating back to the early 19th century and representing over 60 countries and cultures, the depictions of the Holy Family vary in sizes from 6 ft. banners to the tiniest tables whose detail is best viewed with the aid of a magnifying glass on your tour. Guests are welcome to visit Bethlehem in Denton County year round by appointment only. Groups of 12 persons maximum.

Some 250 Nativities from the collection of Merrill and Elaine Luman on display. Viewing hours vary, so check before visiting.

"The Joy to the World Nativity Collection". Over 500 nativities from more than 65 countries, collected by Bill and Susanne Gay.

Mildred Turner, a retired kindergarten teacher, donated her 1,000-plus nativity sets to the church, and the collection is now on permanent display on the church's lower level. Guided and unguided tours are available. After the death of her mother, Turner pledged to not allow grief to overcome her spirit. "I feel God pushed me to begin this collection," Mildred said in an article on the church website. "Otherwise it would have been impossible to find so many sets in such a short time."