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Neapolitan Presepio

Scaife Gallery 5 Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 20, 2027
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio zoomed in on various figurines
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman

Since 1957, Carnegie Museum of Art has marked the holiday season with the Neapolitan presepio. A centuries-old tradition in Naples and southern Italy, the presepio is an elaborate nativity scene recreated with miniature figures arranged in a detailed panorama of 18th-century life in Naples. Handmade by artists in the Royal Court of Naples between 1700 and 1830, the presepio includes superbly modeled humans, animals, angelic figures, and architectural elements.

Read, Watch, Listen

A nativity scene sits in the Hall of Architecture beside large decorated holiday trees.
In this video, Rachel Delphia, the Alan G. and Jane A. Lehman Curator of Decorative Arts and Design, explains the historic and regional significance of the Neapolitan presepio.
person holding an human figure from the neapolitan presepio
Every winter season, our installation team brings the Neapolitan presepio to life. Go behind the scenes and follow the cheese vendor’s journey from museum storage to our galleries.

Exhibition Images

perspective photo 3/4 of the Neapolitan Presepio display
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman
angels floating in the Neapolitan Presepio display
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman
angels floating in the Neapolitan Presepio display
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman
town house in Installation view of Neapolitan presepio
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman
close up view of Neapolitan presepio featuring a vigil
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio zoomed in on various figurines
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio
Installation view of Neapolitan presepio, 1700–1830, Carnegie Museum of Art. Photo: Zachary Riggleman

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