Exhibition "Popular Christmas Images and the Treasures of Wentzel Imagery"

As the year-end holidays approach, the Musée de l’Image Populaire – François Lotz invites visitors of all ages on a journey through time with an exhibition dedicated to the magic of Christmas. Ancient images from its collections, such as greeting cards, illustrated calendars, and winter scenes, highlight Alsatian traditions and the popular imagination of this season. These works evoke the customs, beliefs, and moments of sharing that once marked Advent and Christmas, while also offering insight into the evolution of printing techniques and their spread into Alsatian homes.

For the 2026 edition, the museum honors the productions of the Wentzel imagery from Wissembourg. A selection of lithographs and stencil-colored chromolithographs reveals the refinement and technical quality of these popular images, which have influenced several generations. Among the exhibited pieces are representations of the Nativity and the Holy Family, as well as works illustrating the craftsmanship of the Wissembourg workshops, from Jean Frédéric Wentzel to Camille Burckardt.

This presentation offers an immersion into the enchanting world of past holiday celebrations and pays tribute to one of Alsace’s most famous popular image publishers.