The faceless nativity scene that sparked fierce debate and vandalism on the Grand Place last Christmas will not return in 2026.
Artist Victoria-Maria Geyer has decided against exhibiting her work again after receiving a wave of criticism, abuse and even death threats.
The installation, titled Les Étoffes de la Nativité, replaced a traditional wooden nativity scene that had stood for over 25 years.
It featured life-sized figures made of colourful fabrics with no faces, intended by the German-born Brussels artist to allow universal identification.
The piece, which cost €58,000 and was originally commissioned for five years, was approved by both the City of Brussels and the local Catholic authorities.
Public reaction was swift and intense.
Critics, including MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez, denounced the faceless figures as “zombies” and an attack on Western Christian tradition in the name of inclusivity.
Many saw it as another example of the erasure of Europe’s traditional symbols to accommodate multiculturalism.
Polling showed that a huge majority of the people disliked the nativity scene at the Grand Place.
A petition calling for the return of a “real” nativity scene gathered tens of thousands of signatures.
The controversy escalated when the head of the Baby Jesus figure was stolen shortly after installation, prompting 24-hour camera surveillance.
Geyer told daily La Libre Belgique she felt as though she had been caught in a storm from the moment of unveiling.
The personal attacks, including someone sending her a niqab, proved too much.
She has chosen to withdraw the work from the Grand Place.
It will instead be installed inside the Church of Our Lady of Good Aid near the Fontainasplein.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS) has confirmed the city is now seeking a new nativity scene for the 2026 Christmas market.
BRUSSELS NATIVITY SCENE
A complete disaster
• They made the Holy Family faceless to avoid offending other religions
• Jesus gets kidnapped and beheaded
• Leftists attack it with 'Free Palestine' graffitiWhat was the point of all of this? pic.twitter.com/uOubJZA4NI
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) December 8, 2025
