In celebration of Christmas, the Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo is offering three exhibitions of nativity scenes, one of the most beloved symbols of this festive season. Each one features a different take on the birth of Christ, paying homage to everything from Brazil’s regional expressions to our country’s Portuguese heritage.
In this way, visitors will be able to see unique perspectives in each nativity scene, which as well as representing the Holy Family, incorporates elements characteristic of different Brazilian and Iberian cultures.
The exhibitions will run until January 12, 2025, at the Museu de Arte Sacra de São Paulo (Avenida Tiradentes, 676 – Luz). Tickets start at R$3, with free admission on Saturdays. Find out more about each of the nativity scenes below!
Nativity scene exhibitions 2024: check out the attractions at MAS-SP
Lusitanian clay nativity scenes
This exhibition features Portuguese clay nativity scenes from the Museu de Arte Sacra’s collection. Each small sculpture reflects on the typical elements of this traditional art from the Iberian country, also highlighting our Lusitanian heritage.
Brazilian Nativity Scenes
This collaborative exhibition, which is available in the Museum’s MAS/Metrô Tiradentes Room, highlights the diversity of regional Brazilian nativity scenes. The pieces bring heritage from indigenous, African and European cultures, among other traditions that make up the Brazilian identity.
Flags, guitars and fig trees: the nativity in the Paraíba Valley
Finally, the interior of São Paulo is the protagonist of this exhibition. In partnership with the Folklore Museum of São José dos Campos, MAS-SP is exhibiting Christmas traditions from the Vale da Paraíba region, including local crafts and music. In this way, the public can see both nativity scenes with clay sculptures and musical instruments typical of the folias de reis.