Jindřichův Hradec – Krýza's manger
The largest folk mechanical nativity scene in the world
The largest folk mechanical nativity scene in the world (listed in the Guinness Book of Records). Krýza's nativity scene is permanently exhibited in the premises of the former Jesuit seminary (today's Museum of the Jindřichův Hradec Králové Region). A visit is an experience that will be appreciated not only by children, but also by lovers of history and technology.
Krýz's crib
The largest folk mechanical nativity scene in the world, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records since 1998. Local hosiery master Tomáš Krýza worked on the magnificent work for more than 60 years, practically his entire life. Modern lighting gives the whole scene a magical atmosphere that will transport you back 150 years.
Unique in the world
This unique item, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, is not just a Christmas decoration, but the life's work of one exceptionally patient man. He constantly expanded his nativity scene. He did not limit himself to the classic scene of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Here you will find scenes from everyday life in the village, craftsmen at work, and even biblical stories or the then-present idea of an oriental landscape.
Fascinating numbers
This work has astonishing dimensions. It is 17 meters long and covers a total area of 60 square meters. There are 1,398 figures in total, 133 of which move. Each figure has its own unique expression.
One man's work
It all started in the mid-19th century with Tomáš Krýza (1838–1918), a master hosiery maker from Jindřichův Hradec. Krýza was not a trained artist, but he had an incredible imagination and skillful hands. He worked on the nativity scene from his youth until his death. An incredible 60 years.
After Krýz's death in 1918, the work was in danger of falling apart. Fortunately, in 1935, the Jindřichův Hradec Museum took it over and, after extensive repairs, opened it to the public. Since then, the nativity scene has been the heart of the museum and an attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Ordinary material
The figures are carved from wood or modeled from a mass made from flour, sawdust, plaster and glue.
Mechanism
Originally the entire mechanism was manually operated using a crank, but today a single electric motor is used to move the nativity scene. From the back of the nativity scene you can see the original system of wooden gears, threads and rods that set the figures in motion.
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