Nowruz

Happy Nowruz 1402 / 2023

Join us for an inspiring Nowruz, as we celebrate the ancient Persian festival signaling the beginning of spring and gather in solidarity with the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran and other calls for social justice around the world. Stop by the Museum on Thursday, March 23, to learn about Nowruz traditions, explore Persian works of art, enjoy dance performances, and more. This Nowruz is an opportunity for communities to come together in solidarity to share in experiences and hope for the future.

Special General Admission Pricing after 5 pm on March 23

Enjoy $5 minimum, pay-what-you-wish general admission to MFA Boston during our Nowruz celebration (available in person day of, starting at 5 pm).

Events and Activities

Mosaic Art Kits

5–9 pm
Lower Rotunda

Pick up an art kit with everything you need to create your own colorful and reflective mosaic! Kits available while supplies last.

Haft Seen Display

5–9 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Visit and view a traditional Haft Seen, a key element to any Nowruz celebration. This traditional arrangement includes seven symbolic items, all starting with the Persian letter sīn, or s. Designed and organized by Mojgan Olia, Soheila Shafai, Roya Toran, and Botanical Wedding.

Bagche Farsi School Student Art Show

5–9 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

View artwork by students from the Bagche Farsi School for Music, Language, and Art. Bagche, from the word meaning a small garden, is located in Brookline and offers classes and workshops for kids in Greater Boston.

Aftab Dance

6 and 7:30 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Experience the diverse cultures of Iran through a medley of Persian dance performed by Boston-based Aftab Dance Group, which is comprised of students and young professionals.

The City Talks: Woman, Life, Freedom and the Art of Practicing Resistance

6:30–8 pm
Riley Seminar Room, 156

Hear from a panel of artists, educators, and community organizers as they discuss how art in its many forms can be used as a powerful and vital tool of resistance. Featuring Pouya Afshar, associate professor of Art and Design, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Rashin Fahandej, assistant professor of Visual and Media Arts, Emerson College; Nima Janmohammadi, professor of Music, New England Conservatory of Music; and Neda Moridpour, professor of the Practice, School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.

The Heart’s Secret

6:30 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Feel the richness and love of contemporary Persian dance through this work choreographed and performed by Camelia Dance to the iconic music of Alireza Ghourbani. The Heart’s Secret brings the beauty of performance art to the community and everyone celebrating Nowruz.

Set Me Free!

8 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

See Set Me Free!, an operatic drama performance by Shooka Afshar and the Safarani Sisters. This performance portrays the journey and struggles women all around the world go through to achieve freedom.