100 years of Nativity scenes

The exhibition "100 Years of Nativity Scene Art" in the Romanesque Basilica of St. Gereon in Cologne is dedicated to the rich tradition of nativity scene art in the Rhineland and Westphalia. To mark the centenary of the Landesgemeinschaft der Krippenfreunde, a special exhibition is being held to show the development of this art over the course of a century. Since its foundation, the Landesgemeinschaft has championed artistic, unique nativity scenes - a movement that has been significantly influenced by pioneering artists. Works such as the expressionist altar crib by Hermann Inhetvin from 1928 mark a turning point in crib art in Cologne.

This exhibition offers not only a look back, but also an insight into new, contemporary interpretations of the nativity scene with works by Lita Mertens, Rosemarie Peter and Rudi Bannwarth. The exhibition thus offers an opportunity to engage with and reflect on the interpretation, the changing times and the artistic realization of the Christmas depiction.