"Krakow Christmas cribs" exhibition

On December 12 the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus will hold the grand opening of "Krakow Christmas cribs" exhibition. The exposition was prepared by the Historical Museum of Krakow and the Polish Institute in Minsk.

On the eve of the winter holidays, the museum invites children and adults to travel to the wonderful world of the history of the Krakow Nativity. Visitors are waiting for a festive mood, an atmosphere of warmth and joy from getting to know the beautiful.

Krakow denes (from Polish – Betleem – the name of Bethlehem) – is a richly decorated Christmas scene with an architectural reference to the sights of Krakow. The variety of Krakow churches became a source of inspiration for the creators of the den. This form of the den was formed in the XIX century, spread in the XX century. and is cultivated till now, being a prototype of modern nativity scenes.

The historical museum of Krakow since 1946 organizes annual competitions and exhibitions of denominations, which are distinguished by extreme religious, artistic, patriotic and historical value. The regulation on equal rights allows for the participation in the competition of the work of professionals (architects, artists) and amateur artists. At this exhibition there are denominations from the funds of the Historical Museum of the city of Krakow, which received high marks and awards. The highlight of the Krakow Nativity scenes are scenes with historical characters (kings, national heroes, deserved and great Poles) and legendary (eg Trubach, mister Tvardovsky). Some nativity scenes have modern and complex mechanisms, as well as built–in music solutions, from which Krakow melodies or the most popular carols sound.

National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus

Address: Minsk, K. Marx str., 12,

Tel. 327 43 22