Lunar New Year

Ring in the Year of the Rabbit at MFA Boston! Stop by on Thursday evening, February 2, and celebrate the Lunar New Year by exploring Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese art from our collection—including works on view in the exhibition “Otherworldly Realms of Wu Junyong.”

Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia and around the world. This year, the holiday, which always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, marks the Year of the Rabbit, one of the 12 animals of the zodiac in many East Asian countries.

Special General Admission Pricing after 5 pm on February 2

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

Events and Activities

Chinese Brush Painting Art Kits

5–9 pm
Lower Rotunda

Pick up an art kit with everything you need to create your own beautiful brush painting! Materials are included so you can transform your work of art into a hanging scroll. Kits available while supplies last.

Kung Fu and Lion Dance Demonstration

5:30 and 7 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Take in an interactive demonstration by instructors and children from the Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy. See traditional kung fu as well as a lion dance. Lion dances are performed during Lunar New Year to bring great health, good luck, and happiness.

Artist at Work: Wu Junyong

5:30–8 pm
Druker Studios, Linde Family Wing

Watch spirited contemporary artist and animator Wu Junyong, visiting Boston from China, paint one of his playful panoramas of wild creatures and secluded haunts. Hear from the artist—and ask questions—while he works!

With remarks by Nancy Berliner, Wu Tung Senior Curator of Chinese Art, at 5:30 and 7:30 pm.

Welcome Remarks

6 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Hear from Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director; and Christina Yu Yu, chief of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation and Matsutaro Shoriki Chair, Art of Asia; as they welcome you to MFA Boston’s Lunar New Year Celebration.

Spotlight Talk: Beneath the Surface

6 pm
Arts of Korea Gallery, 179

Explore the beauty and sophistication of Korean celadon ceramics through a close examination of a masterful 13th-century vase with inlaid decoration.

With Melissa Moy, leadership gifts officer and Asian art specialist.

Vietnamese Music and Dance

6:15–6:55 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Enjoy celebratory traditional Vietnamese music and dance selections, including a lion dance performed by Eternal Lion Group, “Nàng Sen” (Lotus Ladies) and “Lả Trôi” (The Storks Flew Away) by S.T.A.R Group Boston, and “Gao Trang Trang Thanh” (White Rice and Full Moon) by Cultural Empowerment Organization.

Spotlight Talk: Restrained Elegance

6:30 pm
Chinese Song Dynasty Gallery, 274

Enjoy an introduction to the arts of the Chinese Song dynasty (960–1279 CE), a golden age for art and aesthetics. Then take a closer look at a rare painting by Song emperor and master artist Huizong.

Presented in Mandarin Chinese. With Gillian Zhang, curatorial research associate, Chinese Art.

Spotlight Talk: Otherworldly Realms of Wu Junyong

7:15 pm
Gallery 183

Take a tour of “Otherworldly Realms of Wu Junyong,” featuring whimsical, colorful works by one of China’s most exciting contemporary artists.

With Nancy Berliner, Wu Tung Senior Curator of Chinese Art.

BAKTA Faculty Ensemble Concert: Greeting the Moon

7:30–8 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Rooted in Korean traditional arts and inspired by beautiful soundscapes from around the world, this program features dance, contemporary gugak (traditional Korean music), and sanjo (solo instrumental performances) that highlight the celebratory spirit of Lunar New Year. The BAKTA Faculty Ensemble consists of music and dance teachers at the Boston Academy of Korean Traditional Arts.

Dining Specials

Celebrate Lunar New Year by heading to the Garden Cafeteria for roast chicken banh mi, New American Café for gochujang-cured pork, or Taste Café for black sesame cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting. Learn more about dining at MFA Boston.