Probošt's mechanical Christmas crib facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Probošt's mechanical Christmas crib |
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An old postcard of the crib
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| Year | 1906 |
| Type | Mechanical nativity scene |
| Medium | Wood |
| Dimensions | 2.2 m × 1.9 m × 6.9 m (7.2 ft × 6.2 ft × 23 ft) |
| Location | The Museum of Nativity Scenes, Třebechovice pod Orebem |
The Probošt's Mechanical Christmas Crib is an amazing wooden nativity scene. It was built by three talented people: Josef Probošt, Josef Kapucián, and Josef Friml. This special crib was named a national cultural monument in 1999.
It is very unique because of its art, history, and clever mechanics. Most moving cribs don't look as good because they focus on moving parts. But this one is beautiful and moves! Today, you can see this wonderful artwork at the Museum of Nativity Scenes in Třebechovice pod Orebem, in the Czech Republic. It is one of the country's most valuable treasures.
Exhibitions and Travel
The crib was first shown to the public in 1906. This was at the "Provincial Artisan Union" in Chrast. People really liked it there. It even won a diploma and a gold medal! However, no one wanted to pay to help it be shown more widely.
Later, the crib traveled to many cities. It was shown in Kostelec nad Orlicí in 1934. Then it went to Prague in 1935 and Brno in 1936. In 1937, it visited Bratislava, Piešťany, and Hlohovec. Its travels were stopped by World War II.
After the war, the crib went on more big adventures. It was shown at the World's fair in Montreal, Canada, in 1967. Over 8 million people saw it there! It also went to Madurodam in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1968. In 1970, it was displayed at the Ideal Home Show in London, England. Each time, it was a huge success. Since 1972, the crib has stayed at the Museum of Christmas Cribs.
Figures and How It Works
This amazing crib was built around the late 1800s and early 1900s. It took more than forty years to finish! It has over 2,000 carved pieces and figures. A small electric motor makes them all move.
In total, 373 people are shown in the crib. The scene has seven levels, filled with characters. These include people from the Bible and everyday folks from Bohemia. Most figures are carved from linden wood. Three figures are made from pear wood. They are about 10–15 centimeters tall. Unlike many other nativity scenes, these figures are not painted. The artists wanted to show off the natural wood.
Many of the characters look like real people. They were based on neighbors who visited Probošt's workshop. You can even spot Probošt as a carpenter. Kapucián is shown as a wise old man. The crib also has six beautiful flowering linden trees. These are common in Czech nativity scenes. Experts say they are some of the best carved trees in the Czech Republic.
The crib was first built with a right-angle shape. But around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was changed. It was rebuilt to be flat, in a single plane. The entire nativity scene, including all its moving parts, is made of wood. It is about 6.9 meters long, 2.2 meters high, and 1.9 meters deep.
See also
