- National
- Czech & Slovak
- Museum & Library
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Media Kit:
- Czech and Slovak Christmas Exhibit
- November 13, 2007 through January 7, 2008
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- November 13, 2007
- CONTACT: Jan Stoffer, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 - 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. 319-362-8500 or jan@NCSML.org
- National Czech & Slovak Museum Decks the Halls for the Holidays
- CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is proud to unveil the annual folk art holiday exhibit in Hruska Grand Hall. The Hall features a Folk Art Christmas Tree and four cases demonstrating other Czech and Slovak holiday traditions. New this year is a crèche designed by Slovak master woodcarver Jozef Pekara and carved by Vladimir Tomko from Presov, Slovak Republic. The crèche is created entirely from basswood and took three months to complete.
- The manger scene includes a little boy giving the newborn his most precious possession, a little wooden horse on wheels. Designer Pekara explains that, as a youngster, his favorite toy was a similar toy made for him by his father. To show his love and respect for Jesus, Pekara took the liberty of adding the little boy offering his favorite toy. The crèche is on loan from Dell Mills.
- The Grand Hall Christmas Tree was decorated by area children and volunteers. Decorations include oranges, dolls in Czech costume, wheat and fabric garland, gingerbread cookies, strung popcorn, wheat ornaments, and walnuts in crocheted lace –each symbolizing a special aspect of the holiday season. Four cases reveal other Czech and Slovak holiday traditions including Sv. Mikuláš, St. Barbara’s Day, and the Christmas Eve meal. Three other Christmas trees are placed in the gallery and immigrant home.
- The display is free and open to the public from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, and Noon – 4:00 p.m. Sundays. The museum will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The exhibit closes January 7, 2008.
- The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is the leading United States institution collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting Czech and Slovak history and culture. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is located at 30 - 16th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids. For more information, call (319) 362-8500 or visit the museum's web site, www.NCSML.org.
- Image Gallery - Czech and Slovak Christmas Exhibit
High resolution version of this image Crèche |
High resolution version of this image Grand Hall Christmas Tree |
- Exhibit Hours
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30 – 4:00
- Sunday: Noon - 4:00
- Monday: Closed
- Closed: December 24 - 25 and January 1
- Exhibit Admission
- Bonus!! Admission to this exhibit is FREE thanks to a generous gift from CRST International!
- Note: All groups of five or more planning to visit the museum should notify Tour Booking Staff in advance to arrange a time for their visit. Call 319-362-8500 to make arrangements.
- Accessibility
- The museum is handicapped accessible and has convenient, free parking.
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- The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- 30 - 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404-5904
- Phone: 319-362-8500 · Fax: 319-363-2209
- This page was updated November 16, 2007