Museo Casa del Belén

About the museum

The Casa del Belén occupies an 18th-century tower house known as the Torre del Reloj or Torre de los Ayllón, the oldest building in Puente Tocinos. It was built in the middle of that century as the residence of a noble family and later became an agricultural and livestock estate, also linked to silk production. Its heraldic coat of arms, bearing the Cross of Calatrava, and the tower’s sundial are protected elements.

At the end of the 20th century the building was abandoned, and the interest of residents and of Murcia City Council made it possible to buy and restore it. The renovation was carried out in 2013, and since December of that year it has housed the Casa del Belén, which showcases the traditional nativity-scene craftsmanship of Puente Tocinos, a town recognised since 1993 as the cradle of the nativity scene.

The collection consists of pieces donated by most of the town’s craft workshops and by private individuals, as well as the copy of the Salzillo nativity scene made by José Nicolás Almansa. Every year the museum sets up a monumental nativity scene with the help of associations and “peñas huertanas” (local social clubs of the Murcia huerta).

Highlights

• Copy of the Salzillo nativity scene by José Nicolás Almansa
• Room with the popular Murcian nativity scene “del huevo frito” (“fried egg”)
• Monumental nativity scene set up every year
• Works by nativity-scene craftsmen from the Murcia huerta
• 18th-century tower house with coat of arms and sundial

Permanent exhibitions

• Sala de artesanos y artesanas – Emblematic works by Murcian craftsmen of the traditional clay nativity scene; concerts and other activities are also held.
• Sala del belén «del huevo frito» – Dedicated to the popular Murcian nativity scene, typical of the huerta.
• Sala de los belenes monumentales – Room open to the garden with a permanent nativity scene made by Murcian nativity-scene makers.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Ayuntamiento de Murcia

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free visit according to the listing of the Region of Murcia; the museum’s website does not state any prices.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

According to the museum, the building is very accessible: it has a lift and toilets adapted for people with physical disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

Courtyard with an arcaded area for outdoor exhibitions, craft demonstrations and workshops.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit