On Thursday, Feb 2, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), invites visitors to enjoy an evening of art, performances and activities in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

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.
The MFA’s celebration kicks off at 5 pm with $5 minimum, pay-what-you-wish general admission. Visitors are invited to explore Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese art from the Museum’s collection as well as works on view in the recently opened exhibition Otherworldly Realms of Wu Junyong. Additionally, the MFA’s dining locations will offer specials throughout the evening: roast chicken banh mi in the Garden Cafeteria, gochujang-cured pork at New American Café and black sesame cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting at Taste Café. 
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 for Contemporary Art


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.
  Spotlight Talk: Beneath the Surface
6 pm, Arts of Korea Gallery


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


Enjoy an introduction to the arts of the Chinese Song dynasty (960–1279 C.E.), 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 by 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.