Museum of the Divine Infant
A singular collection of over 250 sculptures of the Christ Child spanning four centuries, gathered by collector Hiky Mayr and displayed since 2005 on the shores of Lake Garda.
At a glance
The Museum of the Divine Infant holds the world’s largest and most significant collection of sculptures depicting the Christ Child. Opened in November 2005, the collection documents the iconography, techniques and devotional practices surrounding representations of the Infant Jesus across four centuries. The works range from 60 to 90 centimeters in height and include figures clothed as kings, swaddled infants, and nude representations.
History
Collector Hiky Mayr, a German woman of considerable cultural knowledge, dedicated over thirty-five years to researching, acquiring and restoring sculptures of the Christ Child before establishing this museum in Gardone Riviera. The collection opened to the public on November 19, 2005, creating a unique institutional home for objects previously dispersed among private collections.
What you see
The museum displays more than 250 sculptures in the round from across four centuries, each between 60 and 90 centimeters tall. The Christ Child appears in multiple guises: swaddled in cloth, unclothed, and dressed in royal vestments. A period Neapolitan Nativity scene encompasses over 130 figures with accompanying animals, offering a broader perspective on devotional sculpture and stagecraft. The arrangement traces changes in artistic technique and religious iconography over time.
Cultural significance
The collection provides an unparalleled study of how European artists approached the representation of sacred infancy across centuries. By concentrating solely on one subject, the museum reveals subtle shifts in pose, proportion, material and symbolism that might otherwise remain invisible. The inclusion of the Neapolitan Nativity contextualizes individual sculptures within broader traditions of religious theater and domestic devotion.
Key facts
- Address: Via dei Colli, 34, 25083 Gardone Riviera
- Phone: 0365 293105
- Website: https://www.gardamusei.it/?venue=fondazione-museo-il-divino-infante
- Coordinates: 45.624681810869205, 10.57036578655243
- Collection size: Over 250 sculptures spanning four centuries
- Opened: November 19, 2005
Practical information
The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Opening hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 to 17:00; check the official website for complete seasonal hours and any closures. The location lies just 500 meters from the Vittoriale degli Italiani, allowing visitors to combine both sites in a single itinerary.
Getting there
Gardone Riviera lies on the western shore of Lake Garda in Lombardia. The museum is located at Via dei Colli, 34. For detailed directions and public transport options, consult regional travel resources or contact the venue directly.
Sources & resources
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