Museo del Divino Infante
Museum in Gardone Riviera with over 150 sculptures of the Christ Child and the Infant Mary, from the collection of German collector Hiky Mayr.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Through hand-carved sculptures, the museum documents the techniques, uses, materials and iconography of statues of the Christ Child and, in some cases, of the Infant Mary. It grew out of the passion of the German-born collector Hiky Mayr, who for many years searched for, gathered and restored these works, and who created the exhibition space in Gardone Riviera as a gesture of gratitude to Italy, which had welcomed her. The museum is run by a foundation and has been a member of GardaMusei since 2016.
The figures, about 50–90 cm tall, are independent works and not part of nativity scenes: they depict the Child swaddled or naked, standing or seated, up to the richly dressed “Piccolo Re” (Little King), with antique fabrics and silver crowns. They are made of carved and painted wood, wax, terracotta and papier-mâché. The museum describes its collection as the most significant of its kind in the world.
Alongside the statues, one section is devoted to the 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene (presepe) and to restoration, with recovered figures and antique fabrics and lace.
Highlights
- Over 150 statues of the Christ Child, some dressed as the “Piccolo Re”
- Infant Mary and statues in wood, wax, terracotta and papier-mâché
- Section on the 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene (presepe)
- Restoration display with antique fabrics and lace
- Collection of Hiky Mayr
Permanent exhibition
- Sculture del Bambino Gesù e Maria Bambina – Over 150 statues of the Christ Child, some dressed as the “Piccolo Re”, and figures of the Infant Mary in wood, wax, terracotta and papier-mâché.
- Operated by
- Fondazione Museo Il Divino Infante
- Visitors per year
- approx. 888
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5children up to 12, students, seniors and people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 5 · Free admission for children under 6. |
| Groups (30+ people) | €5 per personGroups of at least 30 people. |
Full price €7; reduced €5 for children up to 12, students, seniors and people with disabilities; children under 6 free; groups of at least 30 people €5 per person. Admission is also included in the One Garda Ticket.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The museum offers educational workshops.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with gift items.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Groups and schools book by phone at +39 335 360520 or +39 339 4932782; the museum offers educational workshops. A virtual tour is available on the website. |
