Exhibition: ‘Bethlehem Reborn. The Wonders of the Nativity’

This exhibition showcases the heritage and restoration work of the Church of the Nativity, part of the World Heritage property ‘Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem’. This property was inscribed on the World Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2012. Following the implementation of corrective measures, including the high-quality restoration work undertaken, the World Heritage Committee decided to remove the property from the List in Danger at its 43rd session (Baku, 2019).

The exhibition presents the history and architecture of the church, through a description of the architectural design, plan, and details, including the mosaic depictions. Much of the historical records presented are through quotations of ancient pilgrims. The exhibition also presents videos that illustrate the quality of the restoration work undertaken, and describes/recounts the stories behind some of the interior mosaics.

The exhibition is organized by the Permanent Delegation of Palestine to UNESCO with the Higher Presidential Committee of Churches Affairs in Palestine, the Presidential Committee for the restoration of the Churches, and the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Holy See, and the support of several private sector organizations.