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Sarah Howell
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CHICAGO, November 22, 2019 – A Magnificent Mile holiday tradition returns with Stories of the Crèche: The Collection of James and Emilia Govan which will be on display at Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA). This Chicago favorite will exhibit crèches, or nativity scenes, from more than 40 countries and features a Chicago nativity complete with the Chicago skyline and Holy Name Cathedral. The free exhibition is open to the public from November 30 through January 5, Wednesdays through Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. LUMA will not be open December 24 through January 1, 2020 in observation of the University holiday break.

Stories of the Crèche: The Collection of James and Emilia Govan

Each year LUMA showcases a selection of crèches curated from a collection of more than 550 works created by artists from 126 countries. Donated to the museum by collectors James and Emilia Govan, the crèches illustrate the variety of ways artists across the globe depict the Nativity. Beginning with a simple Italian crèche that reflected Emilia’s heritage, the collection grew quickly as the Govans began commissioning artisans to create crèches that reflected their homeland through native flora, fauna, costumes, and architecture.

“It is my family’s privilege to share our collection with the Loyola community and the people of Chicago,” said James Govan. “The collection portrays the birth of Christ as seen by peoples all over the world – many portrayed in the form of their own culture. Depicting the birth of the Christ child brings much of humanity together to share a profound belief in the future.”

This year’s selection of LUMA’s unique crèches celebrates the birth of Christ around the world and explores the stories that are told through the crèche. Follow the journey of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. While going through the galleries you will see how that story grows to include the angel, shepherds, star, wise men, the three kings, and more.

About LUMA
The Loyola University Museum of Art is located at 820 N. Michigan Ave. in an historic 1926 Gothic Revival building. On permanent display by appointment is the Martin D’Arcy, S.J. Collection, one of the finest collections of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art in the Midwest. LUMA is open during rotating exhibitions. For more information, visit the museum’s website at luc.edu/LUMA.

About LUMA
Opened in 2005, the Loyola University Museum of Art is dedicated to exploring, promoting, and understanding art and artistic expression that illuminates the enduring spiritual questions of all cultures and societies. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, LUMA reflects the University’s Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping people of all creeds explore the roots of their faith and spiritual quests. Located at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus, the museum occupies the first three floors of the University’s historic Lewis Towers on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit the museum’s website at LUC.edu/luma.

Art illuminating the spirit!

-LUMA-