Two Pasadena Museums Offer Free Lunar New Year Celebration Today – Pasadena Weekendr

Pasadena, California, is set to host a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration this Sunday, February 15, with a unique partnership between the Southern California Children’s Museum and the USC Pacific Asia Museum. The event, free to the public, offers a full day of art-making, performances, and cultural experiences as communities prepare to welcome the Year of the Horse on February 17.

A Dual Museum Celebration

The Southern California Children’s Museum, located on Colorado Boulevard, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum, on Los Robles Avenue, will both participate in the festivities. Activities at the children’s museum run from 11 a.m. To 4:30 p.m., while the Pacific Asia Museum will host events until 5 p.m. Both venues will offer art-making activities, with the Pacific Asia Museum also including a calligraphy workshop.

Performance Schedule Highlights

The USC Pacific Asia Museum’s performance schedule is packed with cultural showcases. The day begins at noon with a lion dance and martial arts demonstration by the Northern Shaolin Kung Fu Association. Following this, audiences can enjoy performances by USC Traditional Chinese Dance, the Korean Classical Music and Dance Company, opera soprano Shirley Wang, and USC Kazan Taiko. The Pasadena Public Library will also present a storytime at 2 p.m.

Did You Know? The USC Pacific Asia Museum has hosted an annual Lunar New Year festival for over a decade.

New Exhibition and Community Support

The festival coincides with the opening weekend of the Pacific Asia Museum’s new exhibition, “Mythical Creatures: The Stories We Carry.” This museum-wide installation, created by Los Angeles-based artist Dave Young Kim, features approximately 100 objects from the museum’s collection and spans 12 rooms. Free admission during Lunar New Year week is made possible by East West Bank.

Expert Insight: The collaboration between these two institutions demonstrates a commitment to accessible cultural experiences, offering a broader audience the opportunity to engage with Lunar New Year traditions and artistic expression. This type of partnership can strengthen community bonds and foster appreciation for diverse cultural heritage.

Logistics and Further Information

Free parking is available behind the Southern California Children’s Museum on Los Robles and in the USC Pacific Asia Museum’s lot at the corner of Los Robles Avenue and Union Street. Those seeking more information about the children’s museum event can call 626-657-0357 or visit socalkids.org. Details about the Pacific Asia Museum event can be found at eventbrite.com or by calling 626-787-2680.

Frequently Asked Questions

What date does the Lunar New Year officially begin?

Lunar New Year officially begins on February 17.

What year will this Lunar New Year celebrate?

This Lunar New Year will usher in the Year of the Horse.

Are food trucks going to be at the event?

Food trucks will be on site at the USC Pacific Asia Museum.

As Pasadena prepares for this cultural celebration, what aspects of Lunar New Year traditions resonate most with you and your community?