Please note the changed opening hours from 16 April 2024. More

Christmas at the MEK

01.12.2017
Museum Europäischer Kulturen

From the first day of Advent 2017, visitors large and small are invited to the Museum Europäischer Kulturen (MEK) in Berlin’s Dahlem district to enjoy a multifaceted programme of special displays, exhibitions and events, all centred around the theme of Christmas.

The MEK, famous for its comprehensive collection of Christmas objects from every period and region of Europe, has had a quite wonderful inspiration for the Advent season of 2017: a Christmas path, leading visitors all over the museum to selected sections of the exhibition. For example, you can marvel at a tapestry, woven in 1667 in the region of Dithmarschen, depicting the Nativity, and gaze in wonder at the big Christmas tree in the MED foyer, covered in Christmas decorations from all over Europe. Various manger scenes show how differently the Holy Family is represented all around world. And the unique, ‘mechanical Christmas mountain’, made in the 19th century in the central-European Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) and occupying a space of 15 square meters, literally brings the story of Jesus to life, with over 300 figures.

The Christmas season opens at the MEK with a concert of Christmas carols from Italy on 3rd December 2017, the first Sunday of Advent, followed on Saturday 9th December by a festive lighting of the traditional Christmas tree in the foyer. On Saturday 6th January 2018, we finish with our popular ‘Present Swap’ event. Over a glass of punch or mulled wine, visitors can exchange unwanted Christmas presents amongst themselves, for, as we all know, what disappoints one person may thrill someone else.

For children and young people up to their 19th birthday, entry is free. The museum is closed on the following dates: Christmas Eve, Sunday 24th December 2017, and New Year’s Eve – Sunday 31st December 2017. On Christmas Day, Monday 25 December and Boxing Day, 26th December, the museum is open from 11:00 to 18:00 and on New Year’s Day, Monday 1st January 2018, from 12:00 to 18:00.