Museum Heide
Museum | Lajen | Trentino-Alto Adige | Italy
The "Museum Heide" in Lajen, South Tyrol, is a unique museum dedicated to the art of nativity scene production. It was opened in May 2012 and showcases around 40 masterpieces of the most renowned nativity scene builders from Italy and Austria on over 500 m² of exhibition space.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum displays an impressive collection of nativity scenes characterized by outstanding quality, artistic skill, and meticulous attention to detail. The exhibited works are from renowned nativity scene builders, offering a deep insight into the tradition and craftsmanship of this art form.
Heide Nativity Figures
The Demetz family founded the Heide company in 1970 and specialized in the production of nativity figures over the years. The Heide nativity figures are more than just figures; they are the expression of years of experience in sculpture, painting, and tailoring passed down from generation to generation. Each artwork represents fine design and precise, high-quality execution.
Special Collections
The museum houses various collections, including:
Immanuel Collection: Characterized by oriental-inspired figures, this collection is the most famous and sought-after of the Heide nativity figures.
Rustika Collection: Reflecting rustic peasant life, this collection was designed in 2010 and is particularly suitable for nativity scenes built in a rural style.
Hannah Collection: The first clothed figures of this collection were produced in 1980 and have been revised and renewed over the years.
Original Heide Shop
In addition to the museum, the "Original Heide Shop" offers a wide selection of nativity figures in various sizes and models. The modernly designed salon of over 150 m² presents the Heide figures in a variety of executions.
Educational and Cultural Offerings
The museum regularly organizes special exhibitions, events, and workshops to keep the cultural heritage of nativity scene art alive and accessible to the public. A special focus is placed on collaborating with schools to pass on the knowledge of this traditional art form to younger generations.
Overall, the "Museum Heide" provides a comprehensive insight into the art of nativity scene production and contributes to the preservation and transmission of this unique tradition.
