Located at US Steel Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Crèche is the world's only authorized replica of the crèche erected at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Creche was first erected in 1999 through the work of the Christian Leaders Fellowship, an ecumenical group of local bishops and denominational leaders. The crèche features more than 15 figures including larger-than-life-size renderings of the Holy Family, the magi, an angel, shepherds, a woman and child, animals and a stable, along with a professional sound and lighting system. The display is 64 feet by 42 feet by 36 feet containing more than 15 figures. More than 30 organizations support the annual display.

The crèche opened for public viewing on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 and will remain on display through Epiphany, January 6 - 7, 2009.  During this period, over a quarter of a million visitors are expected to enjoy the nativity scene.

CONTACT: FATHER RON LENGWIN 412-456-3021 (office) 412-261-2113 (home) to arrange a visit/tour of the crèche.

Other details, including musical performances at the crèche, can be found on the Diocese of Pittsburgh web site, www.diopitt.org.

You can also download a fact sheet for the Crèche here