Industry News

Bishop Auckland will be the only place in the UK where people can see an elaborate 18th-century nativity scene from Naples this festive season, comprising over 400 intricately crafted figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Auckland Project will present The Auckland Palace Nativity in its Faith Museum for a limited time this Christmas as part of its annual Christmas at Auckland Palace event.

First displayed in 2022, the Italian-made 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.

The display features over 400 crafted figures and objects, including Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and all the other traditional characters from the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ but set in 18th-century Naples amid the ruins of the Classical world. Whimsical details include bustling Neapolitan townsfolk, Ottoman musicians, and a mischievous cat stealing shellfish.

Known as a presepe in Italian, the nativity set was created between 1760 and 1820 by some of the top craftspeople in Naples and sets like these were originally commissioned for display in prestigious Neapolitan residences, including the Royal Palace.

It includes 421 individual pieces, among them 112 human figures, 52 animals, and 257 other delicate objects and furnishings. Installation takes a team of technicians weeks to assemble, as each figure, delicately crafted from terracotta, wood, iron wire, and rich fabrics, is placed by hand.

The figures wear traditional dress local to Naples and are ornamented with jewellery, swords, and instruments made in miniature by manufacturers who specialised in these wares. The scene is displayed in a custom wooden case nearly three metres wide with a built-in lighting system that can simulate sunset and sunrise.

Clare Baron, Head of Curatorial at The Auckland Project, said: “We’re privileged to be showcasing a nativity set of this scale and quality. There are very few places outside of Italy where you can see anything like it. The nativity scene on display is a sight to behold. Our team will be meticulously installing the display scene by scene, character by character, each with their own role to play in telling the story of the birth of Jesus Christ”.

Moreover, on Friday 5 December from 2pm to 4pm, guests are invited to enjoy festive canapés and a glass of fizz in the Old Library before an exclusive curator-led tour of The Auckland Palace Nativity with Lydia Prosser, Curator of Auckland Palace. Tickets are £35, must be booked in advance and are strictly limited.

The nativity forms part of Christmas at Auckland Palace, where visitors can immerse themselves in the festive splendour of 12 sumptuously decorated rooms in Auckland Palace, including the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel, and the private apartments. Curated by an international designer with more than 30 years of experience, the palace will be decked with garlands, glittering trees, and themed decorations blending history with festive charm, befitting the Prince Bishops of Durham.

By night, AGLOW, a spectacular 1.5-mile festive light trail, will light up the Auckland Palace grounds. Running from 21 November to 31 December (excluding Christmas Day), AGLOW transforms the grounds and historic parkland with over 24 large-scale light installations, festive food and drink, Santa’s Village with live performances from his little helpers, and a towering 32-metre Christmas tree bedecked in almost a kilometre of lights.

Christmas at Auckland Palace will 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. The event is part of a collection of festivities taking place at The Auckland Project, including AGLOW.

Don't miss this festive tradition - book your tickets for Christmas at Auckland Palace and The Auckland Palace Nativity. Adult tickets are £20, and children's tickets are £6; children under 4 and carers go free. Secure your spot for AGLOW starting at £13.50.