The family business in Pontives has been producing high-quality nativity figures since 1970: A museum is also part of the company
Image gallery: Nativity Scene Museum Original Heide
In 1970, the company Original Heide was founded in Pontives near Laion, where today the entire Demetz family - company founders Heinrich and Rosa with their three children - as well as several employees are active. It is entirely dedicated to the production of Christmas crèches and nativity figurines: There are currently four collections called Jerusalem (simple and modern), Immanuel (oriental), Rustika (regional-traditional) and Hannah (dressed nativity figurines).
Original Heide also includes a Nativity Scene Museum, which displays around 40 masterpieces by the most important nativity scene builders of Austria and Italy. Here, craftsmanship and precise detail work can be admired. It was opened in 2012 on an area of 500 sqm. In 2015, followed the renovation of the small shop where the company's nativity figurines can be purchased. There are three more crib collections in South Tyrol - Maranatha in the Valle Aurina, Stabinger in Alta Pusteria and the Nativity Scene Museum at the Muri-Gries Monastery in Bolzano - whereas the world's largest hand-carved nativity scene is located only 9 km away, in the Val Gardena valley.
And how to reach the Original Heide Nativity Scene Museum - "Krippenmuseum Original Heide" in German, "Musei dei Presepi Original Heide" in Italian? It is located in the south of Pontives, about 10 km from the Isarco Valley state road near Ponte Gardena.
Contact info
- Pontives Sud / Pontives-Süd 12 - 39040 - Laion / Lajen
- Guided tours or visits upon reservation.
- +39 0471 797397
- info@originalheide.com
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
€ 5.00 adults
€ 4.00 groups
€ 2.00 children
€ 11.00 family ticket
More information
The Nativity Scene Museum stays open all year round, by appointment also outside the opening hours. Guided tours on request. Unfortunately, the museum is not barrier-free.