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Although Lunar New Year fell on February 16 this year, festivities certainly have not yet concluded. In honor of the Year of the Dog, The Metropolitan Museum of Art will be inviting a few furry visitors as part of its annual Chinese New Year celebration. Mark your calendars because on February 24, visitors will have the opportunity to not only view artwork, but also to participate in several canine-themed activities.
The lineup includes a “scent tour” of the galleries, which is inspired by dogs’ strong sense of smell. During this event, visitors will smell various scent strips as they learn about related artworks. They will also have the opportunity to see Celebrating the Year of the Dog, an installation that features six artworks depicting the zodiac animal, in addition to learning about the Han Dynasty, when pottery models of dogs were buried in graves as an afterlife ritual. Most importantly, however, The Guide Dog Foundation will be bringing puppies and a graduate dog to teach dog etiquette.
Image from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Image from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Alongside these themed activities, various music performances and gallery activities will be taking place, including bamboo flute playing by Kojiro Umezaki and a percussive concert with Gamelan Dharma Swara. Other highlights include a parade through the Museum’s Great Hall, led by the Chinese Center on Long Island Lion Troupe and New York Chinese Cultural Center, and several artist-led workshops (painting fans, mask decorating, creating Indonesian shadow puppets, hand-pulling noodles, etc.). “Each year the Museum’s Lunar New Year Festival engages diverse communities and provides opportunities for people of varied backgrounds and traditions to share and celebrate their culture,” said Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chairman of Education.
Image by Scott Rudd courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Image by Scott Rudd courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Lunar New Year Festival takes place on Saturday February 24 from 11am to 5pm. All Lunar New Year Festival programming is free with Museum admission. For more information and to see the full line up of events, visit the metmuseum.org.
Next, check out our Guide to Alternative Events to Celebrate the Chinese New Year and discover the Top 10 Secrets of The MET.
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