NEW HAVEN – The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center is once again celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with a special exhibit featuring the animals of the Nativity. Titled “Menagerie at the Manger: The Creatures of Christmas,” this display opened on Saturday, November 7 and runs through Sunday, February 7, 2027.
Though the inclusion of animals has been a common element in Nativity scenes, the Gospels do not specifically mention which, if any, animals were present in the manger. A verse from Isaiah, however, states that “the ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger,” a possible reason for the appearance of these animals in many depictions.
Some scenes include animals in the crèches that are native to an artist’s region.
Artists across the globe have created their own versions of the Nativity for centuries, making it open to interpretation regarding who and what to include. This exhibit includes close to 60 of those works, highlighting unique, three-dimensional displays of the birth of Christ.
In addition to “Menagerie at the Manger,” the McGivney Center will host its annual Christmas Tree Festival, showcasing 20 trees and handmade trimmings designed by local elementary school students from around Connecticut.
In the main galleries, visitors can also view other scenes, including the signature Neapolitan Nativity, a huge exhibit featuring a manger with the Holy Family in the center surrounded by a market with musicians and bustling villagers, shepherds, angels and the Magi. Also on display is a recent, large-scale Nativity set in 19th century New Haven with historic figures such as Blessed Michael McGivney outside St. Mary Church on Christmas Eve.
To begin the Advent season, a choral concert “Veni Emmanuel” will be offered at the Center on Sunday, November 29 at 2:00 pm. This free event will feature advent-themed hymns as well as popular and newer songs.
The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, operated by the Knights of Columbus, is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. More information is available at 203-865-0400 or www.michaelmcgivneycenter.org.
