ArsKrippana
Nativity exhibition on the Ardenner Cultur Boulevard near Büllingen: Christmas nativity scenes from more than 60 countries on about 2,500 m², directly on the border with Germany.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The idea behind the Krippana goes back to 1979: three hobby crib builders opened a nativity exhibition in Höfen near Monschau. It closed in 1987, partly because of the age of the operators and the cramped premises. In 1989 a new Krippana was set up at the border near Losheim, which has been developed further ever since over more than three decades.
The site also has its own history: in 1912 the great-grandfather of the current operator opened the railway line to Losheim here; a station and an inn were built later. Today the exhibition belongs to the Ardenner Cultur Boulevard, which brings together several exhibitions, a border market and catering in Hergersberg on the Belgian side and in Losheim on the German side.
The main hall has an octagonal floor plan and about 2,500 m² of space; ramps connect the different levels. On display are nativity scenes and nativity craftsmanship from more than 60 countries, including landscape and mechanical nativity scenes, church nativity scenes, Spanish and Italian nativity scenes, French santons and socially critical nativity scenes. The show is complemented by stone sculptures by Shona artists from Zimbabwe.
Highlights
- Nativity art and craftsmanship from more than 60 countries on about 2,500 m²
- Landscape nativity scenes, mechanical nativity scenes and a large windmill nativity scene
- Children’s nativity with moving animals and an outdoor nativity with live animals
- Italian, Spanish and French nativity scenes, and santons
- Stone sculptures by Shona artists from Zimbabwe
Permanent exhibition
- Weihnachtskrippen aus aller Welt – Nativity scenes and nativity craftsmanship from more than 60 countries in an octagonal main hall, including landscape nativity scenes, mechanical nativity scenes, church nativity scenes and santons.
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Krippana GmbH
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 12 pay €5; children under 6 enter free (children’s groups: price on request). |
| Groups (20+ people) | €8.50 per personFrom 20 people, €8.50 per person; from 40 people, €7.50 per person. |
| Families | €26Family card for 2 adults and up to 4 children. |
| Groups of 40 or more (per person) | €7.50 |
The price applies to one ticket that covers both exhibitions, ArsKrippana and ArsFIGURA. There are no further discounts for family cards or groups.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the operator, the levels of the main hall are connected by ramps instead of stairs, which makes it easier to get around by wheelchair.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €26 · Family card for 2 adults and up to 4 children. |
- Family tours & workshops
There is a children’s nativity with moving animals and a family card. Every year during the Easter holidays a nativity-building course takes place for children aged 8 to 12.
Getting there & parking
The exhibition lies directly on the German-Belgian border, at the most easterly point of Belgium. The Belgian address is Hergersberg 1, 4760 Büllingen; the German address is Prümer Str. 55, 53940 Losheim/Eifel.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The Ardenner Cultur Boulevard site also has GrenzGenuss, with a bakery, snack bar and bistro, and the Ardenner Grenzmarkt.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
