Lamberg nativity figures in the Steyr Town Museum

The puppets from Count Lamberg’s collection were created between the baroque and Biedermeier periods. More than 200 of these figures have been set out on a large mountain. Adorned with gold and silver embroideries, the luxurious clothing of some of these figures recalls the handi-craft of convents. Most of these figures are thought to have once belonged to the churches’ grand nativity scenes.

Steyr was given this nativity scene in 2001 upon the conclusion of its town partnership with Bethlehem. It is one of the largest representations ever carved from olive wood in Bethlehem. The stable alone weighs approx. 170 kg, the figures between 5-10 kg.

A replica of the star of Bethlehem, the original of which is found in the birth church of Bethlehem, was also a present from our partner town. The star symbolically recalls the birth of Jesus Christ.