PRESS RELEASE
EIGHTH EDITION OF THE EXHIBITION “100 NATIVITY SCENES IN THE VATICAN” FOR THE JUBILEE
INAUGURATION ON MONDAY 8 DECEMBER
The eighth edition of the International Exhibition 100 Presepi in Vaticano (“100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican”) returns as part of the cultural festival “Giubileo è cultura” (Jubilee is Culture). The exhibition brings together works by artists from around the world who have expressed their creativity in depicting scenes from the Nativity.
The inauguration of the Exhibition, open to all, will take place on Monday 8 December at 16.00, at Bernini’s left colonnade in Saint Peter’s Square where, as is by now customary, the exhibition is installed. This unique setting places the numerous nativity scenes, true works of art, in a frame that invites visitors to marvel even more at the traditional scene of the Nativity of Jesus and to give thanks for the grace of the Holy Year experienced in recent months.
The Exhibition will be inaugurated by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, and responsible for the organization of the Jubilee, together with some members of the Dicastery. The ceremony will be enlivened by a traditional folkloric performance organized by the Mexican Embassy to the Holy See.
This year, 132 Nativity Scenes will be displayed, from 23 countries, including many European countries such as Italy, France, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, and Switzerland, and from around the world, such as the United States, Peru, Eritrea, Korea, Venezuela, Taiwan, Brazil, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Paraguay, and India. Many of these nations are represented by the respective Embassies to the Holy See, which have taken on the task of promoting the event in their own countries. These include the embassies of Mexico, France, Croatia, Indonesia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Paraguay.
The nativity scenes synthesize the inspiration and imagination of the artists who create them using a wide variety of materials, such as Japanese paper, silk, resin, polystyrene, wool, coconut and banana fibre, and glass. Among the artefacts from all over the world, there is one made in a tanning drum and one reproduced on the front of an ATAC bus. There is also a large nativity scene depicting a “lost” Rome and several mechanical nativity scenes, as well as a large traditional Mexican nativity scene.
The exhibition will be open from 16.00 on Monday 8 December 2025 to 19.00 on Thursday 8 January 2026. Admission will be free for the entire duration of the exhibition, with no reservation required. The exhibition will be open every day from 10.00 to 19.00, except on 24 December and 31 December, when closing time will be brought forward to 17.00. Last admission is always no later than 15 minutes before closing time. Volunteers from the Dicastery for Evangelization will be present throughout the event to offer a welcome service. We would like to thank Urban Vision Group for setting up the impressive maxi-LED screens adjacent to Bernini's colonnade in Saint Peter's Square, which will frame the entrance to the exhibition. As Official Supporter of the 2025 Jubilee, Urban Vision Group has made a significant technological contribution to support and enhance the experience.
“Supporting an event such as ‘100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican’ is a great honour for us. It is a reminder of our faith and the origins of Christmas”, says Gianluca De Marchi, CEO of Urban Vision Group. For over twenty years, we have been dedicated to the protection and regeneration of the historical, ecclesiastical and artistic heritage of our cities. Today, through technological innovation, we are putting our experience at the service of the community of believers, joining a spiritual and cultural journey that unites stories, traditions and peoples from all over the world, continuing our broader commitment to the Jubilee 2025”.
PRESS OFFICE – JUBILEE 2025
Dicastery for Evangelization – Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World
press@iubilaeum2025.va
