Visitors are being invited to experience one of the world’s most remarkable 18th-century Neapolitan nativity displays at Bishop Auckland this Christmas – with an exclusive curator-led tour, including festive canapes and fizz, now available for a limited number of guests.
Returning to the Faith Museum at Auckland Palace, this nativity – known as a presepe in Italian – is the UK’s only display of its kind this festive season. It features more than 400 intricately crafted figures and objects that recreate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in 18th-century Naples, with lively street scenes, Ottoman musicians, and a range of animals including sheep, turkeys and even a mischievous cat.
To celebrate its return, an intimate Curator’s Tour will take place on Friday 12 December, 2pm–4pm, offering visitors a rare behind-the-scenes insight into how this extraordinary work was created and installed.
For £35, guests will enjoy festive canapés and fizz in the Old Library. Afterwards, Lydia Prosser, Curator of Auckland Palace, will guide guests through the display and share the rich history and craftsmanship of this Italian masterpiece.
Lydia said: “We’re privileged to be showcasing a nativity set of this scale and quality. There are very few places outside Italy where you can see anything like it, and it is truly breathtaking. Every figure is installed by hand, scene by scene, telling the story of the birth of Jesus through the lens of 18th-century Naples. We’re excited to welcome visitors to discover the extraordinary craftsmanship and stories hidden within this beautiful display.”
First displayed in 2022, the nativity has become a festive tradition in the North East. This year’s family-friendly exhibition is bigger than ever, with activities for children of all ages, including dressing up as a nativity figure, embarking on an animal scavenger hunt and exploring the sights, smells and sounds of the nativity.
Created between 1760 and 1820 by leading Neapolitan craftsmen, the presepe includes 122 human and angel figures – each dressed in richly detailed period costume. There are also 52 animals and 257 miniature furnishings, all arranged within a vast custom-built case nearly three metres wide.
The Auckland Palace Nativity is part of Christmas at Auckland Palace, where visitors can explore 12 opulently decorated rooms, including the State Rooms, the private apartments, and St Peter’s Chapel.
Tickets for the Curator’s Tour are £35, strictly limited and must be booked in advance: https://tickets.aucklandproject.org/event-tickets/72416?catID=41342.
Christmas at Auckland Palace is open to the public from 21 November to 31 December, excluding Christmas Day and closed Mondays and Tuesdays (open 22 and 23 December). Entry is free for Bishop’s Key holders; otherwise, adult tickets are £20, and children’s tickets are £6; children under 4 and carers go free. Book your tickets here: https://tickets.aucklandproject.org/event-tickets/56948?catID=55673&navItem=1076060.
