After several years of scientific preparation as part of a diploma thesis at the University of Applied Sciences in Erfurt, the 17th/18th century nativity scene was extensively restored in 2010 and 2011. The large miniature panorama with churches, palaces, a fountain and stables, consists of seven sections, two separate houses and four pastures. It now once again houses 62 figures ranging in size from around 8 to 30 cm, 28 animals, dogs, sheep, ox and donkey.
It is an “excellent example of the nativity scenes that were carved and lovingly assembled in Tyrol in the 17th and 18th centuries,” wrote Theodor Volbehr, the founding director of our museum, in the accompanying museum booklet, which was used to present the recreation of the Christmas story to visitors for the first time over 100 years ago. He concluded that the nativity scene was once intended for a wealthy farmhouse, not for a church or a monastery.
The collection also includes figures of the three wise men, which was in keeping with the custom of the time to illustrate a sequence of several scenes from the Christmas gospel on such small stages. In future, the Baroque nativity scene will be on display as part of the museum’s permanent exhibits. Its elaborate restoration and thus the preservation of the valuable collection could be carried out thanks to the support of the Association of Friends of Magdeburg Museums.
