CHRISTMAS IN THE CASTLE

Past Exhibit

Snow covered exterior of Glencairn Museum, a castle-like structure, and its grounds, Bryn Athyn, PA.

November 11, 2022 - February 5, 2023

Migneault Gallery

Since its opening as the Knights of Columbus Museum in 2001, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center has hosted many exhibitions showcasing Nativity scenes, working with lenders across the globe to bring these artworks to New Haven. In 2022, the McGivney Center’s featured Christmas exhibition focuses solely on Nativity scenes from the collection of another museum, placing them in a special setting.

Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, has featured its annual Christmas exhibition, World Nativities, since 2009. The museum, housed in the former home of the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family, is temporarily closed to complete a comprehensive infrastructure replacement and upgrade on the historic castle-like house, and is unable to host its own exhibit this year. However, the spirit of the Christmas season at Glencairn Museum has made its way to New Haven. This exhibition, Christmas in the Castle, includes almost 50 crèches, the three-dimensional representation of the Nativity scene, from the Glencairn Museum collection in an immersive environment inspired by the museum’s architecture.

PLAN A VISIT

Christmas in the Castle

Photo of exhibit gallery featuring Nativity scenes in a faux stone castle setting inspired the architecture of Glencairn Museum.

Nativity scene placed with a structure inspired by Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

Nativity scene “Adoration of the Shepherds” by Nancy Schnarr-Bruell (figures) and John Bruell (backdrop) which includes the Holy Family and shepherds.

Crèche made in 2011 from North Ethiopia. Marble carved Nativity depicts Holy Family with ox and star.

Crèche made in 2012 from Seiffen, Germany by Christian Ulbricht GmbH & Co. KG. Painted wood Christmas pyramid.

A Nativity Tree of Life that has God at the top with the sun & moon. A star is above the stable which holds the Holy Family, an angel, ox & donkey.

Stoneware triptych depict the Holy Family, 3 Magi, 2 shepherds, and a lamb with visual inspirations from Glencairn Museum.

Nativity from Nicaragua with brightly painted figures of the Holy Family, 3 Magi, 4 angels, and 4 cherubs were carved from cedar wood

Image of a wood carved Nativity featuring the Holy Family and a sheep standing before a star and its radiating beams.

Painted wood carved nativity scene depicted as Louisiana Cajun culture.