The making of nativity scenes is a Christmas custom, begun by Saint Francis of Assisi in the twelfth century, but which is deeply rooted in the religious experiences of the Catalan people. It is an ephemeral art as each year the nativity scenes must be destroyed and begun again the following year. The Museum of Rural Life exhibits a variety of scenes created by the most prestigious group of nativity scene makers in Catalonia. It is a tribute to the men and women who each Christmas construct these monuments to their Christian faith.