Heritage Malta is celebrating Christmas with an exhibition of miniature cribs from around the world. The exhibition, which is open at the Inquisitor’s Palace in Vittoriosa till Sunday 27 January, focuses on the importance of the Nativity theme as a universal expression through countries, cultures and societies.

Albert and Lina McCarthy from Balzan donated the cribs to Heritage Malta They were particularly fascinated by the multicultural aspect of Christmas and have been collecting cribs from around the world since the early 90s. It was originally Lina’s idea to start the collection, taking inspiration from a small crib that Albert’s mum had won at a coffee morning. As they travelled, Albert and Lina - professional tour managers - brought home a miniature crib from every country they visited, the majority of which are on display.

Each and every crib being exhibited has its distinctive characteristics and they all have a story to tell about the socio-cultural significance of Christmas in their country of origin.

Featuring intricate nativity leaf paintings from India, colourful retablos from Peru, smooth soapstone sets from Kenya and the traditional Maltese presepju among others, this unique exhibition aims to provide visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of approaches to the Nativity as a universal theme in history and across cultures.