World Nativities - The many nativities in their vast international collection of 200 pieces are now displayed permanently in a new exhibit room.

In 2014, the McGrath Institute for Church Life began partnering with the Marian Library at the University of Dayton, bringing to Notre Dame's campus an exhibit of creches, or Nativity scenes, from around the world. Since 2020, the institute has shared this sacred art in a different way, through a digital Advent and Christmas Creche Calendar - a beautiful selection including creches, or Nativity scenes, from previous six exhibits, as well as creches never before seen on the Notre Dame campus.

The international creche museum showcases an impressive and diverse array of cultural interpretations of the nativity story, featuring some 2,000 nativity scenes from more than 100 countries worldwide. Among its treasures are 2 unique collections of 'Santons' from Provence, France, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the global and artistic celebration of Christmas. While admission is free, the museum appreciates free-will donations.

Billed as "The World's Largest Christmas Store," Bronner's lives up to its name when it comes to nativity sets. The store offers over 500 styles of nativities, ranging from ornaments, to advent calendars, to wall decor, to tabletop Nativities, half life-size, and life-size nativity sets. Every one of the more than 300 decorated trees have at least one nativity ornament. The Bronner family, who founded the store in 1945, exhibit their collection of over 100 nativities from around the world in the program center for guests to view. "Silent Night" Chapel, a replica of the Austrian church where the Christmas tune originated.

The Martha Spencer Rogers Creche Collection includes nearly 200 creches from over 80 countries around the world and presents the Christ child as belonging to each community. There are several dozen additional creches and a growing collection of Noah's Arks also on permanent view. Rogers, a Westminster member who began collecting creches in La Paz, Bolivia in the mid-1960s, donated both her collection and her custom display cases to the Westminster Collection in 2007. It now is on permanent view on the church's second floor and lower level.

The Girard Wing of the Museum of International Folk Art contains some colorful and unique nativity sets in its "Multiple Visions: A Common Bond" display. Museum donors Alexander and Susan Girard collected nativity sets mostly from Europe and South America, and each one offers a fascinating look at the Holy Family and the night Jesus was born. The bright and open permanent exhibition appeals to children, and special guides and multimedia tours are available for families.

The Nativity of the Lord Jesus Church has a museum adjacent to its chapel that displays on a rotating basis a collection of 500+ nativity sets from around the world. The church basement also includes The Bethlehem Cave, a replica of the cave where Jesus was born. Call to schedule a group or personal tour.

The Marian Library Creche Collection began in 1984 and was originally based on the generous contributions of friends and donors. It has grown into an extensive collection of over 3,600 Nativities from around the world. The Creche Collection celebrates diverse Nativity traditions, adapted in different materials and styles, from over 100 cultures. Visit the Creche Museum, a dedicated space showcases a semi-permanent display of Nativities from the collection and serves as the home of the popular Kevin Hanna "Mirror of Hope" art installation (Illustrated book available).

Call Michele to make an appointment and to get the specific location near Dayton, Ohio. Several hundred nativity sets on rotating display throughout the year.

Mosack's is a family-owned and family-operated Christian retailer with a 8,000-square-foot store in Mentor, which is about 25 miles east of Cleveland. In addition to other faith-based items on display, the store has a huge collection of Fontanini, Willow Tree, Joseph Studio, Precious Moments heirloom nativities.

Gesu parishioner Cathy Lincoln has generously donated a wide range of Nativity scenes to Gesu Church in memory of her mother, Emma Lincoln. The extensive and colorful collection is in the Nativity Room off of the Gesu Church narthex.

Located in historic Bucks County, PA, one room of Visitors' Center displays more than 200 creches from around the world, including an 18th century presepio.

National Christmas Center in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. In addition to its other Christmas exhibits, the museum offers a collection of 1000 nativity sets from different eras and from different countries. You can sit and relax while looking at a diorama combining several creche elements and listening to a biblical recording of the First Christmas. 300 Nativity sets on display, including the contemporary collection of Jay Bullock. There is a large selection of 20th century Nativities, a narrated Pennsylvania Moravian Putz, a magnificent life-size hand carved 20-piece Italian Nativity (late 1800's), and an incredible walk-through Journey from the House in Nazareth, through the wilderness, into a cave in Bethlehem. (17 life-size wax figures) Child (5-17) $12; Child (4 & under) - Free. Bus groups may scheue tours at other times of the year.

Billed as "the South's largest Christmas shopping village," the Incredible Christmas Place is located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. From ornate to simple, from ceramic to wooden, from realistic to representational, this huge retailer displays and sells a wide variety of nativity sets. Founded as a small business in 1986 by Hurshel and Marian Biggs, the unique holiday shopping village has grown to include 43,000 square feet of shopping space..

Cadena Nativity. Display is 32' long, 10' high, 20' deep and has 1287 items collected from California and Mexico over many years by Beatriz Rodriguez Cadena.

Bethlehem in Denton County is a small gallery built on a family farm Northern Texas. Judy Klein has amassed a large private collection of more than 3,500 creches and nativity scenes. Dating back to the early 19th century and representing over 60 countries and cultures, the depictions of the Holy Family vary in sizes from 6 ft. banners to the tiniest tables whose detail is best viewed with the aid of a magnifying glass on your tour. Guests are welcome to visit Bethlehem in Denton County year round by appointment only. Groups of 12 persons maximum.

Some 250 Nativities from the collection of Merrill and Elaine Luman on display. Viewing hours vary, so check before visiting.

"The Joy to the World Nativity Collection". Over 500 nativities from more than 65 countries, collected by Bill and Susanne Gay.

Mildred Turner, a retired kindergarten teacher, donated her 1,000-plus nativity sets to the church, and the collection is now on permanent display on the church's lower level. Guided and unguided tours are available. After the death of her mother, Turner pledged to not allow grief to overcome her spirit. "I feel God pushed me to begin this collection," Mildred said in an article on the church website. "Otherwise it would have been impossible to find so many sets in such a short time."