Annual Nativity Scenes Exhibit
One Church, One Family
November 24, 2025–January 18, 2026
About the Exhibit
November 24, 2025–January 18, 2026
We invite you and your family to come together with families the world over to celebrate the Christmas story as told through traditional nativity sets. One Church, One Family showcases nativity scenes, also known as crèches, from the Cathedral’s collection.
The story of the Holy Family, told in different cultures using various media and material, has the power to unite the human family amidst war, conflict and political division. Their story is our story, and their hope is our hope.
This year’s theme of “One Church, One Family: Christians Around the World Tell the Same Story” features selections from countries belonging to the worldwide Anglican Communion, with includes The Episcopal Church in the United States, to which the Cathedral belongs.
Experience the Exhibit
The exhibit is open from Nov. 24, 2025 through Jan. 18, 2026, and is located on the lower level (crypt). The exhibit is wheelchair accessible.
Entry to the exhibit is included in your general sightseeing admission. These hours vary day to day to accommodate the wide range of activities and ministries offered at the Cathedral. You may arrive at any time during your ticket day’s open hours.
About the Sommer Collection
The backbone of the Cathedral’s collection comes from a gift made by Beulah Sommer. She served the Cathedral in many capacities, including as a docent (tour guide) and member of the National Cathedral Association. She wanted to share the joy of this unique art form with the public. In 1998, she donated more than 600 nativity sets from her personal collection for use in the Cathedral’s creche exhibits.
The Cathedral’s collection builds on her extraordinary gift and represents the 40 years she spent collecting sets around the world. Over the years other sets were added, with the collection now totaling approximately 800 sets. We are currently not accepting gifts of nativity sets.