At the Manger
At the Manger: World Nativity Traditions
Nov. 29, 2021 – Jan. 7, 2022
Free and open to the public
Face coverings are required in the library to protect the health of our community
Since 1995, the University of Dayton’s Marian Library has presented a selection of its over 3,600 Nativity scenes from more than 100 countries, celebrating how people around the world ponder and picture the birth of Christ through many different cultural lenses.
This year's exhibit begins in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery located on the first floor of Roesch Library. This space features Nativities from Peru, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Brazil in media that include wood, paper, clay and mixed media. The pieces on display explore the ways artisans employ regional artistic media and techniques to represent the Nativity tradition.
Next, visit the Marian Library Crèche Museum on the seventh floor to learn more about “Mirror of Hope,” a large-scale installation by artist Kevin Hanna. Also on display is “Of Fragile Beauty,” a recently restored wax Nativity from Mexico, plus additional Nativities from Mexico, Brazil and the United States. Gallery highlights include three prints by artist Janet McKenzie, whose work focuses on diversity and inclusion in Christian iconography. A print by illustrator Everett Patterson reimagines the journey to Bethlehem in a contemporary urban setting and includes a dozen clever, hidden biblical references.
Plan Your Visit
To take in the full exhibit, which begins in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery on the first floor of Roesch Library and moves to Marian Library's Crèche Museum on the seventh floor, please plan your visit during these open hours.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, Nov. 29–Jan. 7
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4–5
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11–12
(Closed Dec. 8; Dec. 23–Jan. 2, 2022)
The Marian Library will not be scheduling guided group tours for the 2021 At the Manger exhibit. All visits to the exhibit will be self-guided.
If you are visiting Monday through Friday, a parking pass is required. For a free parking pass, drive through the main campus entrance on Stewart Street just east of Brown Street and follow the signs to visitor parking. Stop at the visitor center, and an attendant will issue a parking pass.
On weekends, visitors may park without a pass in any single-letter lot; B Lot is closest to the entrance of Roesch Library.
