Museo permanente del Presepio
Museum in Dalmine with over 900 nativity scenes from different periods, schools and countries, from the 18th century to today, created in 1975 from a former stable.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo del Presepio in Dalmine, in the hamlet of Brembo, grew out of the passion of Don Giacomo Piazzoli for the art of the nativity scene. A former stable, or hayloft, was converted into an exhibition space, officially opened in 1975, and has been continuously expanded since then.
The collection numbers over 900 nativity scenes that differ in period, origin, size and material: 18th-century Neapolitan examples, a plaster Genoese nativity by the sculptor Garaventa, large biblical-setting nativities from the 1970s, and contemporary works from the Sicilian, Apulian, Sardinian, Ligurian and Trentino schools, as well as Spanish nativities and nativity scenes from every continent. The Bergamasque nativity, with a reconstruction of a 19th-century workshop producing plaster figures, holds a place of honour.
The minor collections, with over 10,000 pieces, include paper nativity scenes, Christmas cards and postcards, holy cards, stamps, collectible cards, telephone cards, a multimedia holding and a music holding. The museum also has a specialist library and a historical archive, and it organises Christmas exhibitions in Italy and abroad.
Highlights
- Over 900 nativity scenes from different periods and countries
- 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scenes
- Plaster Genoese nativity by the sculptor Garaventa
- Reconstruction of a 19th-century Bergamasque workshop of plaster figures
- Electronic nativity, scenes of traditional trades and biblical dioramas
- Specialist library and historical archive
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione di presepi – Over 900 Italian and international nativity scenes, from the 18th century to today, including Neapolitan, Genoese and Bergamasque examples.
- Founded
- 1975
- Operated by
- Museo del Presepio (fondazione di don Giacomo Piazzoli)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 4,500
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4children up to 18, students with a student card, members of AIAP and Touring Club Italiano |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 5 · Free up to 5 years of age; reduced up to 18 years of age. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €4Students with a student card. |
| Groups | –Guided group tour: €60 to be shared among participants (maximum 25 people), plus the entrance ticket; free for group escorts. |
| Families | €15Family ticket for households of at least 4 people (parents and minor children). |
Free admission also for clergy and group escorts.
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
The website provides no information on accessibility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €15 · Family ticket for households of at least 4 people (parents and minor children). |
- Family tours & workshops
The museum presents itself as an experience for families, schools and groups; family ticket at €15.
Getting there & parking
For some satnavs it is best to enter the address via Pesenti 48, Dalmine.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with publications and items (“Shop” section of the website).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups and schools by reservation (€60 per group of up to 25 people, plus tickets); the website also offers an online audio guide. |
