Lunar New Year Festival
Jan 25, 2026
10:00 am
–
4:00 pm
Free
Museum admission includes entry to Lunar New Year
Observed throughout China and several East and Southeast Asian countries, Lunar New Year is a traditional celebration marking the beginning of the new year on the lunar calendar.
LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
The free Lunar New Year Festival features live performances and demonstrations by local artists, artmaking activities for the whole family, traditional cuisine, and educational experiences in the museum’s Asian art galleries.
Free registration
General admission to the museum and festival is free. Although you may register for admission upon arrival, we encourage advance registration for a more convenient check-in experience.
Decorations on view
From Jan. 22-26, Bloch Lobby and Rozzelle Court will be outfitted with Lunar New Year decorations. And from Jan. 22-Feb. 16, red lantern displays will be in the Asian Art gallery 224.
Parking
The Nelson-Atkins parking garage is located at 45th and Oak streets. Parking is $14 per vehicle or free for museum members and guests with ADA placards.
Festival Schedule
Nelson-Atkins Building
Go (traditional board game) with the Chinese School of Greater Kansas City | 10 am–4 pm | Sculpture Hall
Yo-Yo demonstration by The Chinese School of Greater Kansas City | 10:30–10:40 am | 12:15–12:25 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Fusion Dance by The Chinese School of Greater Kansas City | 11:15–11:25 am | 1:15–1:25 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Silk Road Dance Group | 12:30–1 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Zodiac Animal Hunt in the Asian Art galleries | 10 am-4 pm | Galleries 201 and 224
View online guide
Hourly calligraphy demonstrations and bookmark giveaway* by The Taiwan-America Friendship Association | 10 am–4 pm | Classrooms 4 and 5
*While supplies last
Taichi Fan & Celebration Dance with Waist Drums by Dr. Gong’s Multicultural Association | 11–11:15 am | Kirkwood Hall
Chinese Qipao Show & Chinese Tai Chi Dance by Dr Gong’s Multicultural Association | Noon – 12:15 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Learning Station: Treasures of the Scholars Studio | 11 am–1 pm| Gallery 201
Jasmine Chinese Dance Group | 10:30–11:15 am | Atkins Auditorium
Koto Music by Dianne Daugherty | 11–noon | Gallery 205 A
Jasmine Dance Group Interactive Performance | 11:40–11:55 am | Kirkwood Hall
Kansas Tatsumaki Yosakoi Japanese Dance Team | Noon–12:45 pm | Atkins Auditorium
Docent spotlight: Horses in the Collection & new digital interactive | 10 am-4 pm | Gallery 229 & 230
HK Chinese Folk Dance Group | 1–1:15 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Dance and music by Institute of Chinese Language and Culture students | 3:15–4 pm | Atkins Auditorium
Pipa & Shamisen Music by Chris Stephens | 12:30–1:30 pm ǀ Gallery 205 A
Breakdancing & Photography with Frank Pham | 1:30-1:45 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Painting demonstration by Valda Hsu | 12:30–4 pm | Room 6
Sinag-Tala Performing Arts Troupe of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City| 1:45–2:30 pm | Atkins Auditorium
Heart of America Japan-America Society Meet and Greet and Origami demonstration | 1–4 pm ǀ Educator Resource Center
Tai Chi Demonstration led by Master Chen Huixian | 2:15–2:45-1 & 3:15–3:45 p.m.| Kirkwood Hall
Bloch Building
Go (traditional board game) and paper cut demonstrations with the Institute of Chinese Language and Culture | 10 am–noon | Room 6
Zodiac Animal Hunt in the Asian Art galleries | 10 am-4 pm | Galleries 201 and 224
View online guide
KU Lion Dance Team | 11-11:15 am | Noon-12:15 pm | 1-1:15 pm | Bloch Lobby
Tết Traditions with Hella Good Deeds | 1–4 pm | Spencer Art Reference Library
Thần Phúc Lion Dance Performance | 2–2:15 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Japanese songs by Madoka Koguchi of Yukari KC | 12:45-1:05 pm | Noguchi Court
Low Sensory Break Room | 10 am–4 pm | Rockhill Room
Docent spotlight: Horses in the Collection | 10 am-4 pm | Gallery 226
Storytelling of The Great Race: The Legend of the Eastern Zodiac Animals, presented by Hella Good Deeds | 1:30–1:45, 2:30–2:45 & 3:30-3:50 pm ǀ Spencer Art Reference Library
Learning station: Capturing Moments with Frank Pham | Outside Gallery L8 | Noon-1 pm & 2-3 pm
Yunfei Li 2025: Youth Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Saxophone Solo Performances | 1:40–2 pm ǀ Noguchi Court
Lion Dance by Rockhurst High School Lion Dance Team | 2–2:15 pm | 3–3:15 pm | Bloch Lobby
Crescendo Arts Collective: Youth Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Saxophone Solo Performances | 1:40–2 pm ǀ Noguchi Court
Year of the Horse art activity | 10 am–4 pm | Lens 2
Preschool Storytime by the Foreign Language Academy (in Mandarin Chinese and English) | 11:15–11:30 am | 11:45-noon | Spencer Art Reference Library
Traditional Chinese Guzheng Music and Q & A by William, Wen-Hua, and Catherine You | 11:50 am–12:40 pm, 2:15–12:55 pm ǀ Noguchi Court
Dining
Á la carte Asian food selections (while supplies last) | 11 am–3 pm | Bloch Lobby
Mochinut Zona Rosa (while supplies last) | 11 am–1 pm | Bloch Lobby
Asian-inspired cuisine for purchase | 11 am–4 pm | Rozzelle Court Restaurant
Free festival pins for members
10 am–5 pm | Bloch Lobby Info Desk
Nelson-Atkins members are invited to stop by to claim their free, limited-edition Lunar New Year enamel pin. Present your member card to collect your pin. If you’re not a member, learn more about membership opportunities.
Museum guidelines
Please help us protect the art by following these important guidelines:
- Stay at least three feet from the art. Do not touch, lean on, or sit on the art, including outdoor sculptures and the reflecting pool.
- Check your backpack at our free coat check in Bloch Lobby. Alternatively, carry your bag or wear it on one shoulder or the front of your body.
- Do not bring food or drinks into the galleries.
Thank You
Support for the festival is generously provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Nelson-Atkins members and volunteers make festivals like this possible.
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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
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