Museo tipologico internazionale del presepio Angelo Stefanucci

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1967 by Angelo Stefanucci, then president of the Associazione Italiana Amici del Presepio, who donated much of his own collection of nativity scenes from all over the world. Around that first core, hundreds of works have been added over time, bought or donated by artists, private individuals and institutions. It occupies about 300 square metres, divided into three naves, in the rooms beneath the church of the Santi Quirico e Giulitta, at the Fori Imperiali. On a still lower level, accessible from the museum, one can see the small frescoed apse of the original early Christian church (6th–7th century).

The collection includes more than 3,000 pieces from all Italian regions and dozens of countries, among them spectacular scenic nativity scenes and figures of historical and artistic value. Materials include cartapesta leccese (papier-mâché from Lecce), Sicilian terracotta, wood, ceramics, glass, mother-of-pearl, stone, charcoal, cloth, marzipan and corn husks, as well as some Neapolitan statues from the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the oldest pieces are a Sicilian nativity scene made of small seashells from the 17th century, a 17th-century ivory Santo Bambino and a series of statues from the Bolognese school of the 18th century.

Attached to the museum, available on request, are a library on the nativity scene and a collection of videos and DVDs. The museum organises lectures and courses on nativity-scene craftsmanship.

Highlights

• Over 3,000 nativity scenes and figures from all over Italy and dozens of countries
• Large scenic nativity scene in Neapolitan style of the 18th century
• Sicilian nativity scene in seashells from the 17th century
• Neapolitan statues from the 18th and 19th centuries
• Frescoed apse of the early Christian church (6th–7th century)
• Library and video collection on the nativity scene

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione di presepi italiani e internazionali – Over 3,000 nativity scenes and figures from all Italian regions and dozens of countries, in different materials and styles.

Founded

1967

Operated by

Associazione Italiana Amici del Presepio E.T.S.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission, including any guide, is by voluntary donation.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum organises lectures and courses on nativity-scene craftsmanship; the website does not describe activities specifically for children.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the Fori Imperiali; entrance from the church of the Santi Quirico e Giulitta, Via Tor de' Conti 23.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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