Returning to Bethlehem: Exhibit Opening
BYU welcomed a new cultural exhibit to its Museum of Peoples and Cultures on October 17th, 2018. Titled, “Returning to Bethlehem: A Cultural Pilgrimage,” This exhibit is designed to reflect a visitor’s experience of seeing Bethlehem today, depicting Manger Square and other important religious and archaeological sites.
The exhibit features the Palestinian wedding costume collection of Hanan and Farah Munayyer of the Palestine Heritage Foundation, mother of pearl items from the Enrique Deccarett collection, and olive wood carvings from Bethlehem artisans.
Numerous students from Dr. Finlayson’s classes have worked on this two year museum studies project. Student employees from the Museum were also involved in constructing the exhibition. Bryson Harper, MPC’s graphic designer, says, “I enjoyed working on this exhibit. It helps the visitors connect with the people of Bethlehem and understand the value of this region.”
Exhibit Opening Reception
On Oct. 16th, the Museum, in partnership with the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, celebrated the opening of Returning to Bethlehem.
Numerous representatives from the religious communities of Salt Lake City and Ogden were in attendance including the Islamic community of Salt Lake City, the Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and Antioch Congregations of Salt Lake City and Ogden, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Source: Museum of People and Culture
Brigham Young University
