5 ways to celebrate Chinese New Year
Chinese dragon dancers perform for the crowd during the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade February 21, 2010 in New York City. Credit: GETTY IMAGES/Chris McGrath
Happy Year of the Rabbit! With Chinatown's annual New Year parade capping off festivities, it's a good weekend to absorb some Chinese culture in the city.
1. Treasures from the Forbidden City
WHAT "The Emperor's Private Paradise" collects 90 objects that Pu Yi, the last emperor, left behind in 1924. You'll find ornate murals, furniture, Buddhist icons and decorative arts, including a massive 16-panel jade-and-lacquer screen, most never before publicly exhibited. Through May 1.
WHEN | WHERE Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street.
INFO $20, 212-535-7710, metmuseum.org
2. Peking Opera
WHAT While you're at the Met, check out the Chinese Theatre Works production of "Little Red Riding Hood," performed in the style of Peking Opera, with English dialogue and Chinese song, dance and acrobatics. There's a one-hour performance for kids, plus a full production, both part of an all-day New Year festival, including a lion dance, youth orchestra, calligraphy workshops and more.
WHEN | WHERE Festival Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., opera at 3 and 7 p.m., Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street.
INFO Museum admission $20, opera tickets are $15 (at 3 p.m.) and $30 (at 7 p.m.), 212-535-7710, metmuseum.org
3. Ancient Chinese bronzes
WHAT "Along the Yangzi River: Regional Culture of the Bronze Age from Hunan" presents more than 70 bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (16th through 11th centuries BC). Highlights include bells, percussion instruments, swords, axes and vessels shaped like a horse, owl, tiger and elephant. Through June 12.
WHEN | WHERE Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., China Institute Gallery, 125 E. 65th St.
INFO $7, 212-744-8181, ext. 121, chinainstitute.org/gallery
4. New Year walking tour
WHAT The Museum of the Chinese in America leads a tour of Chinatown at this festive time of year; participants will learn about Chinese customs and traditions at New Year.
WHEN | WHERE Saturday at 1 p.m. Starts at the Museum of the Chinese in America, 215 Centre St.
INFO $18, 212-619-4785, mocanyc.org
5. New Year parade
WHAT Manhattan's Chinatown still boasts one of the best Lunar New Year parades anywhere, with dragon dancers and paper lanterns galore. Plus a cultural festival
WHEN | WHERE Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parade starts at Hester and Mott streets, best viewing on Allen Street between Grand and Canal streets. Festival at Sara D. Roosevelt Park (Forsyth Street between Grand and Hester streets).
INFO Free, 917-660-2402, betterchinatown.com
