International Typological Museum of the Nativity Scene “Angelo Stefanucci”, Rome

The International Typological Museum of the Nativity Scene “Angelo Stefanucci” in Rome, founded in 1967, occupies about three hundred square meters, divided into three naves, in the premises beneath the Church of Ss. Quirico and Giulitta, near the Imperial Forums.

On a level even below, accessible from the Museum itself, is the small frescoed apse of the original Early Christian Church (6th-7th century).

The Museum was born thanks to the then President and founder of the Angelo Stefanucci Association, who donated much of his collection of nativity scenes from around the world: around that initial nucleus of works, over time hundreds of nativity scenes have been gathered, some purchased and others donated by their creators, or by private individuals and public and private institutions.

More than 3,000 pieces, coming from all Italian regions and dozens of countries, offer a broad and comprehensive overview of the various interpretations and settings of the Nativity, as well as an example of the materials that can be used.

Displayed are nativity scenes representing the best names in the field, made of Lecce papier-mâché, Sicilian terracotta, wood, ceramics, glass, mother-of-pearl, stone, coal, cloth, marzipan, eggshells, corn leaves, etc., along with some Neapolitan statues from the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the oldest pieces, a nativity constructed with small shells (Sicily – 17th century), an ivory Baby Jesus (17th century), and a series of statues from the Bolognese school (18th century).

Among the staged nativity scenes to mention, besides a large nativity in 18th-century Neapolitan style, several works from the Catalan plaster school, as well as from the most renowned Italian and foreign “Masters” of the nativity.
Attached to the Museum, available upon request, is a large thematic library on nativity scenes and a collection of videocassettes and DVDs on exhibitions, technical courses, and the history of the nativity scene.

Conferences on the nativity are held in the Museum’s premises and, every year in October, Nativity Scene Technique Courses are taught by qualified masters.