Nativity scenes from Bethlehem Chapel and Charles Bridge Museum

The biggest exhibition of Nativity scenes in Prague, now in its 30th year, is to be found in the subterranean sanctums of Bethlehem Chapel, a place where the great harbinger of change Jan Hus himself used to preach. The event was prepared by several enthusiasts; virtually all the very same people who were working on the project from the very start. They had tried several places previously before finally settling into the rarefied depths of this beautiful chapel. As previously mentioned, this is the biggest exhibition of its genre in Prague. On offer there are mainly contemporary Nativity scenes, such as the Old Town one, together with pieces carved from wood and other materials. Interesting additions to the event are two symposiums.

The woodcutter’s symposium will be held between 30th November and 5th December, and the symposium of lace-workers takes place between 12th and 13th December. Other than that, you can do some of your Christmas shopping in a small shop that is also part of the exhibition.

The biggest Czech Nativity scene made from straw as well as the largest one from corn leaves is to be found in the Charles Bridge Museum on the Square of the Knights of the Cross. The main attraction is undoubtedly the life-size straw Nativity scene, which will have been exhibited for the third time already. Apart from that, you will be able to enjoy other Nativity scenes made from straw and corn leaves as well as from an interesting material called Tragantha, the gummy sap from the stems of several species of Astragalus.

Other pieces on show include the historical Infant Jesus made from wax and a poignantly unique African Nativity Scene. The latter one is interesting mainly because of the two black figures of the three kings that came to honour baby Jesus and have the white one standing at the back. Oddly enough, in our tradition this layout is exactly other way round. The Nativity scene made from corn leaves was inspired by the model of Charles Bridge. The piece was created by the teacher Helena Malinjaková from KarlovyVary, and is composed of 115 figures made of corn leaves. Both of the above-mentioned Nativity scenes will compete for entry in the Guinness Book of Records, in the categories straw and maze. The Nativity scenes are exhibited in the Baroque grotto, which is a part of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.

More that 100 exhibitors will showcase about 4,500 splendid handcrafted Christmas decorations in the Botanical Garden of Charles University’s Faculty of Science. “The exhibition focuses on folk Christmas decorations individually made by Czech people. You will be able to admire miniature Vizovice Christmas sweets, items made of various materials, from paper to ceramics, as well as historic pieces brought from the open-air museum in Přerov nad Labem, “said the organiser Petr Herynek. An interesting addition is the competition for best decorations and the prettiest gingerbread house.

The best ones will be featured in the ’Christmas’ magazine. This seasonally special exhibition entitled ‘Folk Christmas Decorations’ will be open to the public daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., until 3rd January.  You may also be interested to know that the first exhibition of this kind was under the same name and was held in Prague 30 years ago in the Prague City Museum. Visitors will not only be able to enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations, but they can also get actively involved by taking part in the competitions for the best decorations and gingerbread house, and boast about their own creations. For all those creative souls who bring two hand-made Christmas decorations to the exhibition on 20th December, they will have free entry.

Source: Praha.eu