Nativity Scene Exhibition at Hotel Austria – Museum of the City of Bad Ischl

In 1838, Franz Oberleitner pledged to build a nativity scene in gratitude for the birth of his son. It was set up annually. In 1889, Johann Kalss purchased it and equipped it with movable figures. The nativity scene depicts the birth scene and representations of the Christmas events. The figures dressed in Salzkammergut traditional attire, along with depictions of the working world and craftsmanship, reflect the regional life. Since the 1980s, it has been housed in the museum, where it is displayed every Christmas season. The setting up and visiting of the landscape nativity scenes in Salzkammergut have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2015.

In addition to the Kalss nativity scene, box nativity scenes created by nativity scene makers from the region will also be exhibited at Hotel Austria in 2025.

A special guided tour of the nativity scene through the museum can be booked at info@stadtmuseum.at.