Nativity scene in case with wax figures, Hermetschwil Convent (Lucerne), 18th century, wax, silk, wood Loan from the Chorherrenstift St. Michael Beromünster

Nativity scenes made by nuns are often set out in glass cases, with beautifully detailed wax figures depicting the Christmas story or the Infant Jesus.

Swiss National Museum

Mary with the Infant Jesus, Ildefons Curiger (1782-1841), ca. 1810/20, Einsiedeln (Canton of Schwyz), fired clay, original setting, painted bell jar Loan from Einsiedeln Abbey, art collection

The nativity scenes created by the Einsiedeln miniature sculptors are some of the most exquisite in Switzerland. Ildefons Curiger is a major representative of this form.

Swiss National Museum

Mary with the Infant Jesus and shepherd, Ildefons Curiger (1782-1841), ca. 1820, Einsiedeln (Canton of Schwyz), fired clay, painted in monochrome Loan from Einsiedeln Abbey, art collection

At the beginning of the 19th century, fired clay groups were created in the workshops of the Einsiedeln miniature sculptors.

Swiss National Museum

Folding nativity scene in a winter setting, ca. 1920, Switzerland or Germany, cardboard, paper, printed, embossed, die-cut, gelatin paper Loan from the Spielzeug Welten Museum (Toy Worlds Museum) Basel

From the late 19th century onwards, nativity scenes printed on card began to appear in private households in Switzerland. They are less expensive than sets made from clay or porcelain, making them an affordable alternative.

Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel

Advent calendar, In the Land of the Christ Child, ca. 1910, Ernst Kepler, Verlag Reichhold & Lang publishing house, Munich Loan from Evelyne Gasser, Lenzburg

Gerhard Lang is considered to be the ‘inventor’ of the now ubiquitous Advent calendar. At the beginning of the 20th century, working with illustrator Ernst Kepler, he created this Advent calendar with verses and little pictures to stick on.

Swiss National Museum

Advent calendar, Advent flowering tree, ca. 1936, Sulamith Wülfing, Sulamith Wülfing-Verlag publishing house, Wuppertal-Elberfeld Loan from Evelyne Gasser, Lenzburg

After 1930, religious motifs for teaching children were increasingly replaced by secular subjects, fairy tale characters, or romantic landscapes.

Swiss National Museum

A view of the exhibition.

© Swiss National Museum

A view of the exhibition.

© Swiss National Museum

A view of the exhibition.

© Swiss National Museum