Art That Evangelizes: “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican” Returns — Applications Open for the 9th Edition
The international exhibition “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican”, promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization – Section for Fundamental Questions Regarding Evangelization in the World, tells the story of the mystery of the Nativity through a rich variety of cultures, materials, and artistic expressions. As every year, works from around the world will be displayed beneath Bernini’s Colonnade in Saint Peter’s Square.
The exhibition offers a journey through faith, art, and popular traditions, highlighting the “wisdom of places” — the unique combination of craftsmanship, local techniques, and cultural heritage that makes each Nativity scene distinctive. While every work preserves the heart of the Gospel narrative, it expresses it through the identity and traditions of the region from which it originates.
The significance of the exhibition is further strengthened by the words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who has emphasized that the Nativity scene continues to speak to the men and women of our time: “God draws near to humanity; He becomes one of us, entering our history in the smallness of a child.”
Calling everyone to renew their desire for peace and fraternity, the Holy Father also reminds us that “the Nativity scene is a sign of faith and hope.” This message finds a powerful expression in this international exhibition, which serves as a place of evangelization through the encounter of peoples, cultures, and traditions.
Join Us
Applications are now open for the 9th edition of “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican.”
Application period: until September 30, 2026.
How to apply: Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official website, www.100presepi.va. The website provides access to the technical regulations and the participation form.
Participation: Free of charge and open to everyone.
Selection process: At the end of the application period, a Commission appointed by the Dicastery for Evangelization will evaluate all submitted works. Every applicant will receive notification of the selection results via email.
Exhibition dates: The exhibition will be inaugurated on December 8, 2026, and will remain open until January 7, 2027.
Taking part means bringing your art and your testimony of faith to the heart of Christianity, contributing to an exhibition that, through the Nativity scene, continues to share with the world the universal message of Christmas.