Nativity scenes are very popular in Italy and are generally found in every household during the holiday season. The nativity originated in Italy in the 13th century when St Francis of Assisi asked Giovanni Vellita of the Village of Greccio to create a manger scene. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the nativity was turned into an art form in Naples and included representation of daily life in the city at that time. Today, many artisans are dedicated to the craft of creating handmade figures for presepi. Presepio Napoletano represents our rich cultural and spiritual traditions. It portrays a bustling village located at the base of Mount Vesuvius. The landscape is handcrafted in wood, cork and papier-mâché, while the figures, many standing over a foot tall, are made of terra cotta, hemp and wire.
Saturday, December 6, 2014 through Saturday, January 24, 2014
Suggested donation: adults $10, children 18 years of age and under $5
Exhibit Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00am to 4:00pm; Friday 2:00pm to 8:00pm; Saturday 10:00am to 12:00noon. Hours subject to change.
