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Seeking Shelter Christmas Exhibit

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In Person 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Roesch Library Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery, Marian Library Gallery and Crèche Museum Free

After they were turned away from the inn in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph sought shelter elsewhere. In Nativity sets, different traditions place Jesus’ birth in a stable, in a cave or among ruins. Artists depict local architecture, like an adobe or a yurt, and repurpose objects to stand in for the shelter, such as a coconut shell or a piece of pottery. Explore a variety of shelters in this year’s selection of Nativity sets from the Marian Library Crèche Collection.

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Calendar 2025-11-24T09:00:00 2026-01-16T16:00:00 America/New_York Seeking Shelter Christmas Exhibit After they were turned away from the inn in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph sought shelter elsewhere. In Nativity sets, different traditions place Jesus’ birth in a stable, in a cave or among ruins. Artists depict local architecture, like an adobe or a yurt, and repurpose objects to stand in for the shelter, such as a coconut shell or a piece of pottery. Explore a variety of shelters in this year’s selection of Nativity sets from the Marian Library Crèche Collection. Roesch Library Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery, Marian Library Gallery and Crèche Museum
Holy Family and visitors nestled in a cave with along with birds and plants
Admire, Learn and Celebrate!

Beyond the Stable

Nativity sets are also placed in caves or ruins. Explore the history of these traditions illustrated by examples of each.

Holy Family sits in front of a yurt flanked by camels and animals
Admire, Learn and Celebrate!

Globally Inspired

Artists depict the Nativity in shelters inspired by their local architecture. Imagine the Christmas story taking place around the world.

Simply and brightly painted wood figures depict the Holy Family and visitors by a shelter made from a coconut
Admire, Learn and Celebrate!

Objectively Creative

Unconventional objects are repurposed as shelters for Nativity sets. Admire the artists’ creativity.

Nativity scene in the Mirror of Hope
Admire, Learn and Celebrate!

Celebrating 25 Years

Explore the inspiration and artistry behind the Mirror of Hope in the recently refreshed Crèche Museum.
Plan Your Visit

Exhibit Hours

Weekdays

To see all areas of the exhibit, visit between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from Nov. 24, 2025 through Jan. 16, 2026.

Closed Nov. 27-28, Dec. 5, Dec. 24 – Jan. 1

Weekends

  • Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7
  • Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14
  • Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21

Please check the Marian Library calendar before visiting.

What to Expect and Helpful Tips

This exhibit is a self-guided experience spanning two floors of the Roesch Library building. It is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Enjoy browsing each space at your leisure.

  • Take time out to create ornaments and color in the craft area.
  • Grab a Seek-and-Find activity and search for details among the Nativities on display.
  • Large-print versions of the exhibit labels are available at the first-floor Hello Desk and the seventh-floor Marian Library Welcome Desk.

Plan Ahead

  • Know your route by reviewing directions and parking information for Roesch Library. 
  • Familiarize yourself with the the building layout and location of restrooms, elevators and accessible spaces by viewing these floor maps ahead of your visit.
  • Bringing young children? In addition to an ornament craft and Seek-and-Find activity (that people of all ages will enjoy), you will find books, coloring sheets, a magnet board Nativity scene and more in the reading room on the seventh floor. Changing tables are available on the first, second and seventh floors.
  • In general, it should take around an hour to see the full exhibit. Plan to arrive at least an hour before closing time. Please see the Exhibit Hours tab for more information.

Group Visits
It is helpful for our staff to know when large groups plan to visit. Please email marianlibrary@udayton.edu or call 937-229-4214 to inform the staff of your chosen date and time. Our staff will be able to provide important information such as bus drop off locations, parking and tips for navigating the exhibit with groups.