Belén del Museo de San Isidro

This nativity scene is on display in the museum’s Renaissance Courtyard, a historic setting that enhances the beauty and symbolism of this delightful Christmas tradition. The space has been divided into two carefully designed exhibition areas: the first and largest of the two contains some of the most iconic nativity scenes, such as the village of Bethlehem, the Nativity Scene itself, the Annunciation to the Shepherds and Herod’s castle. In a separate area, we see the Three Kings resting on their journey to the manger. The tableau is designed in such a way as to leave the centre of the courtyard and its fountain free, allowing visitors to follow a circular route and facilitating viewing.

Made in the renowned workshop of José Luis Mayo, the figures, which stand out for the meticulous quality of their modelling and their exquisite polychromy, are in the Hebrew style, which means that they are based on an interpretation of the 19th-century artisanal tradition of recreating images and costumes from the time of Jesus. The dedication and immense care that the craftspeople put into each figure transport the visitor to a world of detail, where tradition and history come together to celebrate Christmas.