Probošt's mechanical Christmas crib facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Probošt's mechanical Christmas crib |
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| Czech: Proboštův betlém, Třebechovický betlém | |
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 |
Probošt's Mechanical Christmas Crib, also known as Proboštův betlém in Czech, is an amazing wooden nativity scene. It's not just any nativity scene; it's a special one with moving parts! Three talented people worked together to create it: Josef Probošt, Josef Kapucián, and Josef Friml.
This incredible crib was named a national cultural monument in 1999. It's truly special because of its beautiful art, its connection to local traditions, and its clever moving parts. Unlike many other moving cribs, this one looks fantastic while still having lots of action.
Today, you can find this wonderful artwork at the Museum of Nativity Scenes in Třebechovice pod Orebem, a town in the Czech Republic. It is considered one of the country's most valuable treasures.
Seeing the Crib: Exhibitions
The Probošt's crib was first shown to the public in 1906. This happened at an event called the "Provincial Artisan Union" in a town called Chrast. People loved it! It even won a special diploma and a gold medal.
After that, the crib traveled to many other places. It was shown in Kostelec nad Orlicí in 1934, Prague in 1935, and Brno in 1936. In 1937, it even went to Bratislava, Piešťany, and Hlohovec. These trips stopped during World War II.
Later, the crib became famous around the world. It was a big hit at the World's fair in Montreal, Canada, in 1967. Over 8 million people saw it there! It also visited Madurodam in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1968, and the Ideal Home Show in London, England, in 1970. Everyone who saw it loved it.
Since 1972, the crib has stayed in one special place. You can now only see it at the Museum of Nativity Scenes in Třebechovice pod Orebem. This helps keep it safe and sound for everyone to enjoy.
Inside the Crib: Figures and Mechanics
This amazing crib was built around the late 1800s and early 1900s. It took more than 40 years to finish! Imagine working on something for that long. It has over 2,000 carved pieces and figures. A small electric motor makes all these parts move.
There are 373 people shown in the crib. The landscape has seven different levels, filled with characters. Some of these characters are biblical figures, like those from the Christmas story. Others look like regular people from Bohemia, which is a part of the Czech Republic.
Most of the figures are carved from linden wood. A few 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 beauty of the wood.
Many of the people in the crib look like real people who lived nearby. They were neighbors who often visited Josef Probošt's workshop to watch him build the crib. You can even spot Probošt himself as a carpenter and Kapucián as a wise old man! The crib also features six beautiful linden trees, which are a common sight in Czech nativity scenes.
The crib was first built in an L-shape, but it was later changed to be in a single, long line. 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
In Spanish: Belén de Třebechovice para niños
