Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche
At The Met Fifth Avenue
November 20, 2018–January 6, 2019
The Met continues a longstanding holiday tradition with the presentation of its Christmas tree, a favorite of both New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. The magnificently lit, twenty-foot blue spruce looms over a vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene, enshrined in an abundant array of lifelike figures with silk-robed angels hovering above. The scene describes in detail the Mediterranean harbor town's multicultural society.
The installation is set in front of the eighteenth-century Spanish choir screen from the Cathedral of Valladolid in the Museum's Medieval Sculpture Hall. Recorded Christmas music adds to the enjoyment of the holiday display.
Please note: There are no tree-lighting ceremonies scheduled this year due to the European Paintings Skylights Project. However, seasonal music will continue to be played in the gallery throughout the installation.
The exhibit of the crèche is made possible by gifts to The Christmas Tree Fund and the Loretta Hines Howard Fund.
Before your visit, learn more about our beloved Christmas tree presentation and the other festive installations on view this season in this Now at The Met article.
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