Krippenmuseum Maranatha
One of the largest nativity scene exhibitions in Europe, in Lutago, with wood sculptures, a mask exhibition, a sculptors’ garden and an art studio.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo di Arte Popolare e dei Presepi Maranatha opened in 2000 in Lutago, in the Valle Aurina, and is presented as the largest nativity scene exhibition in Europe. Over time it has been extended several times and now covers more than 1,300 m² of exhibition space on two floors, plus the garden, with Christmas and folk artworks from many countries. Its founder is Paul Gartner, who guides visitors through the museum.
The route traces the development of wood sculpture, from the making of tools to the carving of roots and masks and on to modern art. The display cases show miniatures of household objects and farm tools; in the Giardino degli scultori stands a large Swiss stone pine (cirmolo) trunk more than 500 years old; one room is dedicated to carved masks, including those of the traditional St Nicholas play and the Tyrolean Krampus. On the studio floor, small nativity scenes by artists from various countries can be admired, some of them awarded at international exhibitions.
Since 2003 the sculptor Lukas Troi has worked in the art studio, restoring paintings and figures and carrying out commissioned works. The complex also includes a 140 m² souvenir shop and offers hire of nativity scenes during Advent.
Highlights
- Over 1,300 m² of exhibition space with nativity scenes from many countries
- Mask exhibition with the Tyrolean Krampus
- Giardino degli scultori with a Swiss stone pine trunk over 500 years old
- Art studio with the sculptor Lukas Troi
- Spiral ramp that makes all spaces accessible
Permanent exhibition
- Presepi e arte popolare – Nativity scenes and Christmas artworks from various countries, the history of wood sculpture and a mask exhibition.
- Founded
- 2000
- Visitors per year
- approx. 15,500
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4Children’s ticket €4. |
| Families | €18Family ticket €18. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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
A spiral ramp inside the building makes all areas of the museum accessible to people with reduced mobility, in a wheelchair or with a pushchair; the toilets are accessible. The mask exhibition in the adjoining pavilion is reached by a short flight of stairs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €18 · Family ticket €18. |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
Family ticket and reduced prices for children; the museum is accessible with a pushchair and there are children’s play areas nearby.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Lutago, ufficio turistico · 250 m
Bus stop at the tourist office of Lutago, 250 metres from the museum; buses can also stop directly in front of the museum.
By car
Parking available
Parking directly in front of the museum and the souvenir shop.
Lutago is 19 km from Brunico.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Souvenir shop of 140 m² with nativity figures, wood carvings and stone pine products.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits for groups of at least 10 people, by advance booking only. In the stube (Tyrolean wood-panelled room) of stone pine at the entrance a film on the history of the museum is shown. |
