Christmas appeals to all the senses - it smells, tastes, sounds and lights up. The special exhibition "Christmas with all the senses" in the Museum of European Cultures (MEK) is dedicated to exactly this phenomenon and presents a wealth of suitable exhibits from the museum's extensive collection.
Image gallery
Weihnachten ist ein sinnliches Fest – es duftet, klingt gut oder sieht besonders aus – wie diese Weihnachtsgurke / Weihnachtsbaumschmuck Gurke, 2024, Deutschland © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Museum Europäischer Kulturen / Christian Krug
Überraschung! “Weihnachten mit allen Sinnen“ stellt Verblüffendes vor – wie diese Figuren aus einer Krippe von Hilario und Georgina Mendívil / Hilario & Georgina Mendívil, Krippenfiguren, Detail, um 1980, Peru © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Museum Eu
Christmas has many facets: It is a time for family and friends, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a time of reflection, but also of enjoyment. It is a celebration of the senses and surprises. The mixture of lights, scents and sounds creates a magical atmosphere. Whether the scent of incense, the organ playing in church, the taste of Christmas cookies or singing together under the Christmas tree - all these sensory impressions make Christmas something special.
But surprises are also an important part of the Christmas season. Advent calendars, filled socks and presents under the tree create anticipation and excitement. In the exhibition, the MEK also unpacks surprises from its Christmas collection.
Objects from various European countries and Latin America are on display, including colorful nativity figures by the artist couple Mendívil from Peru, a magnificent tree of life from Mexico, the lively scenery of a "nativity tavern" from Naples and a moving Christmas candlestick from Germany that plays with shadows.
A wild-looking animal mask also raises the question: What does that have to do with Christmas?
Of course, Advent calendars are also not to be missed, with their 24 doors full of little surprises that increase the anticipation of Christmas.
The exhibition "Christmas with all the senses" invites visitors to embark on a sensual experience full of surprises.
Event program as part of the exhibition
The open Christmas workshop, every Saturday in Advent
Dates: November 30th / December 7th / December 14th / December 21st, 2024 / 2-4 p.m. each
The MEK Advent Sunday with a varied program - from speed dating to reading stories and singing together to mixing Christmas spices.
Date: December 8th, 2024 / 2-6 p.m.
Swap market for unwanted Christmas presents
Date: January 5th, 2025 / 2-4 p.m. (Museum Sunday, free admission)
