Marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s original living nativity scene, the Franciscan Monastery in Kraków presents an exhibition of Cracovian nativity scenes between 14 July and 31 August.

According to the founder of the exhibition Marek Markowski, the visitors will see forty works made in recent years by twenty leading local artists.

“Almost all presented artworks have been awarded prizes during the annual competition in December,” explains Markowski, a nativity scene-maker himself and holder of the “Meritorious for Polish Culture” honorary title.

The items on display range from miniatures to a massive five-metre construction, the largest in the competition’s history. The exhibition also includes a selection of nativity scene figurines made on different continents.

“The presentation reveals the huge diversity of formats of the custom of making nativity scenes, popularised by Franciscans all over the globe,” continues Markowski, adding that he hopes the high tourist season will boost the exhibition’s popularity.

The first nativity scene modelled on events in Bethlehem was presented by St. Francis of Assisi in a grotto in Greccio on 24 December 1223. A wooden sculpture of the Baby Jesus was placed in a crib lined with straw, with local residents appearing as the Holy Family. The scene was completed by a live ox and donkey. Francis arranged the event to introduce people to the history of salvation. The Franciscan order continued the custom of building nativity scenes in the run up to Christmas ever since, and the tradition soon spread all over Europe including Poland.

However, Cracovian nativity scenes are very different to the original Bethlehem setting. They are multistorey towers, which must include architectural details typical of Kraków. As well as Biblical scenes, the compositions include Biblical, historic and legendary figures. The history of Cracovian nativity scene-making dates back to the mid-19th century, when local bricklayers and carpenters filled their time by designing the constructions during the winter months. They visited local burghers with their portable scenes in the runup to Christmas. Today, original constructions are made by around fifty professional artists. In 2018, the Cracovian nativity scene tradition was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The current exhibition forms a part of the celebrations marking 800 years of the Franciscan order, running until 2026 and launched in early 2023 by the Ministers General of the Franciscan Family. Pope Honorius III gave approval to the Franciscan order 800 years ago, although the monastic community was founded in 1209.

The exhibition at the Hall of Bl. Jacob at the Franciscan Monastery (entry from Planty) is open until 31 August. Admission is 10 zlotys; entry is free for kids aged four and under.