Arskrippana

ArsKrippana is one of the world's largest exhibitions of nativity scene art, spread across roughly 2,500 square metres right on the Belgian-German border, in the municipality of Büllingen. The site blends tradition with contemporary artistry — alongside classic Christmas cribs, visitors will find experimental, socially engaged, and artistically bold works that challenge conventional ideas of what a nativity scene can look like.

What is ArsKrippana?

The exhibition presents nativity scenes and artistic craftwork from more than 60 countries. The pieces differ not only in style but also in the materials used — wood, clay, textiles, and locally sourced materials specific to each artist's home region. As a result, the exhibition works almost like a journey through different cultures and religious traditions, showing how differently the same theme is interpreted around the world.

Some of the works are distinctly modern and socially critical — artists place the nativity scene in the context of today's world, touching on themes such as migration, poverty, or armed conflict. This sets ArsKrippana apart from typical, seasonal Christmas exhibitions: it is open year-round, not only during the holiday season.

Where exactly is it located?

The site sits directly on the border between the German town of Losheim (part of the municipality of Hellenthal in North Rhine-Westphalia) and the Belgian town of Büllingen. This cross-border location is itself part of the site's story — easily reachable from both the Belgian and German sides, it draws visitors from either country.

The exhibition doesn't stand alone — it forms part of a larger cultural complex known as the Ardenner Cultur Boulevard, which also includes other themed exhibitions in the region, covering topics such as figurative sculpture, minerals, and technology. For visitors, this means the possibility of combining several attractions into a single trip.

What is the history of this place?

The exhibition's roots go back to 1978, when an earlier version, known as Krippana, operated out of a former dairy in Monschau-Höfen. Due to fire-safety regulation issues at that building, the collection had to be relocated — after a break of several years, it reopened in 1989 in Losheim under the new name ArsKrippana, in a new location adapted to meet safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is ArsKrippana only open during the holiday season? No — unlike many nativity scene exhibitions, it is open year-round, according to its listed opening hours (Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays, except on public holidays).

Where do the nativity scenes on display come from? From more than 60 countries worldwide — the collection spans both traditional and experimental forms of nativity scene art.

Is it worth combining a visit with other nearby attractions? Yes, ArsKrippana is part of the Ardenner Cultur Boulevard complex, which includes several thematically related exhibitions in the region.

How can visitors get in touch or plan a visit? Current information and bookings can be arranged by phone at +32 80 54 87 29.