Glittering Anticipation -
A Stroll through the Advent Calendar

An Advent calendar magically shortens the wait for Christmas. We eagerly count down the days until we can open the last little door on 24 December.

In the 19th century, imaginative parents created counting aids to help their children through the long wait for Christmas Eve. Eventually, printed versions appeared in a variety of designs – with doors, dials and pull-out figures, as well as those with things to fill in or tear out. Advent houses, Christmas trees and lanterns were a chance to demonstrate creative ingenuity and invite exploration.

Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until Christmas to open all the doors in this exhibition. Historical calendars from the Alfred Dünnenberger collection meet surprising stories and hands-on interactive stations.