Inaugurated on Christmas Eve 1999, the museum features over 200 cribs that were handcrafted by experts and artisans and donated by more than 50 countries around the world as an attribution to the city of Bethlehem and its rich history. Each crib displays the scene of the Nativity based on the customs, venerations and rituals practiced in its hometown: from African and South American wooden-carved cribs, to enchanting Asian pieces, and modern European cribs. The artistic and colourful collection, the sounds, the lighting effects and the warm and peaceful atmosphere, stimulate all the senses. The museum is located in the premises of the Salesian Convent, a few minutes walk from the Church of the Nativity.