Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration is requested but not required.

Whether you’re born in the year of the snake, ox, or monkey, we encourage all to come and celebrate Lunar New Year at the Walters! This festival celebrates the year of the dragon, which represents the fifth year of the 12-year cycle in the Lunar calendar. We welcome visitors of all ages to join us for a day of art-making, tours, story time sessions, photo-booth fun, performances by the Baltimore Chinese School and Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe, and more!

REGISTER

An ASL interpreter will be available upon request at this program.

Ongoing Resources and Activities

  • Event Information: Level 1 Inner Lobby Desk
  • Dragon Seek & Find: Museum Entrances & Level 4
  • Photo Booth: Level 2 Lobby
  • Quiet Areas: Level 2A, Collector’s Study, and 1 West Mount Vernon Place, Level 1, Library
  • Art Activity: Mini Dragons: Level 3 Lobby
  • Art Activity: Mail Your Wish: 1 West Mount Vernon Place Conservatory
  • Reading Nooks: Level 4 Lobby and Level 1 of The John and Berthe Ford Gallery of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan Art
  • Hearts for Art: Museum Entrances
  • Museum Store and Cafe: Level 1A
  • Food Trucks: Outside

Timed Activities

Performances: Sculpture Court, Level 2A, and Streaming in the Graham Auditorium and on YouTube

  • Baltimore Chinese School: 11:30 a.m.
  • Lion Dance by Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe: 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Outside of Charles St. entrance, weather permitting
  • Korean Culture and Art of Maryland: 3 p.m.

Conservator and Curator Tours: Meet in Level 4 Lobby

  • Conservator: 11 a.m.
  • Curator: 12:30 p.m.
  • Curator: 2:30 p.m.

Conservation Window: Level 4 Lobby

  • 12:30 p.m.–4 p.m.

Storytimes

  • Level 4 Lobby: 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
  • The John and Berthe Ford Gallery of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan Art: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

NiHao & Peabody Heights Tastings: Museum Cafe, Level 1A

  • 12 p.m.–2 p.m. (while supplies last; limit one beer tasting per person)
  • Food tasting graciously provided by NiHao
  • Beer tasting graciously provided by Peabody Heights
Lunar New Year dragon dancers.

WATCH

Lunar New Year Video Archive

Watch the Lion Dance, create a symbolic painting, enjoy performances, and more!
red paper lanterns

ART-MAKING

Make a Paper Lantern

Lanterns have been used as part of Lunar New Year celebrations for thousands of years. Download this activity to make your own lantern at home.
Cooking dumplings

FOOD

Chinese Dumplings and Other Recipes

Several dishes are eaten during Lunar New Year because of their symbolic meaning or because they are believed to bring good luck. Learn how to make Chinese dumplings with the Lovett family from the Baltimore Chinese School then download recipes from Baltimore Chinese School students.

ART

Explore the Arts of Asia Collection

Browse more than 6,000 works from diverse cultures and regions across India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Community Partners and Resources

The Walters has collaborated with several organizations and schools as part of our annual Lunar New Year event. Below is a list of our partners over the years:

Bonus: Here are a few local businesses you can support

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