Probošt's crib, Wooden mechanical nativity scene in Třebechovice pod Orebem, Czech Republic

Probošt's crib is a mechanical nativity scene made of wood that houses more than 2000 carved figures and components, displayed in a museum in Třebechovice pod Orebem. The work presents different scenes with detailed craftsmanship, with each figure carefully fashioned from timber.

Josef Probošt began carving the crib in 1882 as a gift for his wife, gave it to her in 1885, then expanded it with carver Josef Kapucián and mill builder Josef Friml, who mechanized it. Work continued until Probošt's death in 1926. It was declared a national cultural monument in 1999.

The crib is called Probošt's after Josef Probošt, but most figures were carved by Josef Kapucián, who returned old and nearly deaf from travels and received food and lodging for his work. Neighbours from Pitr's street modelled the characters, and Probošt appears as a carpenter and Kapucián as a wise old man.

The crib stands in the Museum of Nativity Scenes in Třebechovice pod Orebem, where it has been displayed since 2013 in a building opened that year. It occupies a single exhibition room, so visitors see the whole 6.9-metre-long scene from the front; the carved landscape is divided into seven terraces.

The movement is driven by a small electric motor fitted in 1935 by teacher František Skřivan, replacing the original hand crank. The mechanism moves 150 figures on belts, while nearly fifty others move their heads or limbs.