"Maranatha 2009" In 2000 the Maranatha, the most imaginative nativity-scene-exhibition in the world, was opened in Luttach. Since then the museum has been expanded. The outside area, the concept of folk-art and nativity-scenes, as well as the wood-carvers workshop have been redesigned and redecorated. In the flower-garden and approx. 1,300 m² exhibition-area works of art from different countries are presented. Those who take a closer look can see the development of wood-carving from the beginning of tool-making and the root- and mask-carving to the modern sculpturing in Ahrntal of the present. In two big showcases in front of the entrance of the artist-studio, household and farm equipment are presented in miniature form, also a miniature mill and carving tools. Visitors are astonished to see how many tools the farmers made themselves. Next to that a series of roughly carved heads shows the development of the art of carving. In the Bildhauer-Garten (the sculptor's garden) there is a 500 year old pine tree trunk with many branches. It symbolises that mother nature is the best sculptor. Roughly or chainsaw carved figures and a well were placed next to it. The exhibition is completed by modern, stylized sculptures out of marble and stone. One room is dedicated to mask-carving. Here one can follow the art of carving from a rough block to a simple, but impressive and frightening mask, also called "Larve". The masks once used in the famous Nikolaus-play are significant. After the tour through the garden and the inspection of the masks we suggest a look at the modern art studio at the staircase to the carving workshop. In the semicircular entrance small nativity-scenes from the whole world are exhibited and also internationally recognized nativity-scenes from Leo Demetz, Bruno Lipp, Antonio Piscopo, Antonio Bigozzi and Giuseppe Armani. To enhance the studio even more some of these exhibitions are changed each year. On the first floor stands a traditional alpine nativity-scene from Lukas Troi and Katharina Edler Geiregger. The special exhibition is also changed annually. In the commemorative year of Andreas Hofer 2009 an exhibition is dedicated to the Tyrolean fight for freedom, with oil paintings from Franz von Defregger, copied by Lora Marinova, also carvings and sculptures of the local artists Lukas Troi and Egon Oberkofler. The artist's studio in which St. Johann's sculptor Lukas Troi, one of the most talented artists of the valley has been working since 2003, is used for various activities. Iinterested spectators can watch the artist while he works. Pictures, reliefs and figures are restored, assignments are designed and created and it is also used as an exhibition room. Carving courses can be booked. The museum of the nativity: The museum of the nativity in Luttach was opened in December 2000 after four years of building and is constantly changing its exhibits. Since its opening constant efforts have been made to keep the museum attractive and authentic and it has been extended to become a special source of Christian belief, strength and hope. Numerous nativity-scenes have been acquired, some also borrowed. Existing nativity-scenes like the big oriental wooden one are constantly being added to by Jonas Pitscheider and Lukas Troi. To continue to provide an appropriate background and setting and fitting scenery paintings, a new 80 m² room, the GLORIOLE has been established and will be open to the public on the first Sunday in Advent 2009. In the Gloriole, given its name due to the ceiling decoration, many original, old nativity-scenes are exhibited, well worth a visit even for visitors who already know the Maranatha. The unique "Jahreskrippe" from the "Krippenverein Steinhaus" was built by many diligent villagers, run by Erich Treyer "Wieser-Bauer". In various showcases scenes from the life of Jesus are portrayed in an artistic and pensive way. A special oriental nativity-scene has been lent by family Ploner from Pustertal. One can also admire a very rare Christmas-pyramid from the Erzgebirge and nativity-scenes of great masters like Umberto Palazzo or Guido Raccani. South-Tyrolean, Austrian and German artists have worked together to create the nativity-scenes and the perfect background scenery. Especially the local painter Albert Abfalterer should be mentioned, whose four meter long watercolour background sceneries are probably his greatest works to date. They grace the depiction of seasonal Tyrolean customs and traditions in the Gothic Stube, as does the big traditional nativity-scene from Ahrntal, with miniature buildings built by Alfons Hofer from Prettau in over twenty years of patient winter work. The most impressive hand carved work is the 80 m² large oriental nativity-scene with life-size wooden figures under a romantic star studied sky. This traditional work of carftsmanship is emphasized by illumination and sound. In the corridor between the ground floor and the basement a collection of nativity-scenes from Sicily is exhibited and a "Jahreskrippe" that tells the story of Jesus from the revelation to the resurrection. The artist Angela Tripi formed and painted the figures. The background for the "Jahreskrippe" was painted by Eduard Untergasser and Alfred Fleckenstein. The exhibition is also enriched by nativity-scenes out of glass, ceramic, metal and porcelain. The nativity-scenes from Claudio Mattei from Ponte San Pietro and the wood carver Stefan Lanthaler from Fulpmes/Tyrol are also noteworthy. The Gothic Stube is a place of tranquillity in the museum. Its complex carved barrel vault was built after an archetype of the 16th century. Cultural and customary events such as Advent-singing or folks music evenings take place here. Nativity-scene courses or carving demonstrations can be organised on request. The guided tour through the museum is lead by the visionary Paul Gartner, assisted by the artistic supporter, the musician, composer, text writer and guide Hubert Leimegger. Should visitors have to wait, they can watch a film about the museum in the panelled "Zirbelstube" on the right hand side of the main entrance. Maranatha - Europe's charismatic world of nativity-scenes Museum - Maranatha I - 39030 - Luttach village Weißenbach street 17 Ahrntal valley - BZ Tel. &. Fax: 0474 671 682 www.krippenmuseum.com E-mail: info@krippenmuseum.com