MudeP Nativity Museum — Winter Seasonal Opening

A museum dedicated to the nativity tradition

The MudeP - Nativity Museum in Fara Novarese, in the province of Novara, is one of the most distinctive cultural landmarks in the Novara area of Piedmont. Inaugurated in 2016 and housed in the former elementary school on Via Cesare Battisti, the museum is managed by the local branch of the Amici del Presepio, affiliated with the Italian Association of Friends of the Nativity (AIAP). Every winter, coinciding with the Christmas holidays, the MudeP reopens its halls and offers an exhibition path that tells the story and significance of one of the most beloved traditions in Italian culture.

The collection: monumental and ethnic nativity scenes

The heart of the museum consists of monumental nativity scenes handcrafted by the Amici del Presepio of Fara Novarese since 1991: elaborate sets that reconstruct the Nativity with great attention to detail, landscapes, and settings. Over time, the collection has expanded thanks to numerous donations, becoming enriched with ethnic and artisanal nativity scenes from different parts of the world, showcasing how the theme of the Nativity is reinterpreted through different cultures, materials, and styles.

The four thematic sections

The tour winds through dedicated rooms, including four major thematic sections:

• Popular Nativity, linked to rural and daily traditions;
• Neapolitan Nativity, with its famous figures and scenic richness;
• Palestinian Nativity, which recalls the land of origin of the Nativity;
• Easter Nativity, dedicated to the representation of the Passion cycle.

One section is also reserved for ethnic nativity scenes, while the introductory path covers the general history of the nativity scene and Christmas.

An experience for the whole family

The visit to the MudeP is designed to be accessible to everyone: admission is free, and an audio guide is available via the izi.TRAVEL app, allowing visitors to explore the works independently. The museum welcomes families, schools, and groups, and organizes extraordinary openings and guided tours on dates outside the seasonal schedule upon request.

Fara Novarese and the surrounding area

Located in the lower Novara region, the town of Fara Novarese offers visitors an intimate and authentic setting, nestled in the hilly, wine-producing landscape of Eastern Piedmont. The winter opening of the MudeP is a perfect opportunity to discover the village during the Christmas period, combining the artistic and spiritual dimension of the nativity scene with a pleasant trip through the region.