Lunar New Year 2025

What: SPECIAL EVENT
When: Saturday 1 February
10am to 2pm
Tickets

Step into the joy of Lunar New Year as Melbourne Museum transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration, with traditional performances, activities and captivating experiences for all ages.

Lunar New Year is a time of joy and renewal, filled with family reunions, festive meals and special preparations to welcome good fortune for the year ahead. Celebrated in late January or early February, this vibrant festival is observed in countries like China, Singapore, Korea, and Vietnam, and embraced by communities worldwide, including those in Victoria.

At Melbourne Museum, we invite you to join the celebrations! Experience the excitement of traditional dragon dances, embark on a scavenger hunt through the Museum’s galleries, and enjoy captivating storytelling and talks about the fascinating world of snakes. With plenty to explore and enjoy, it’s the perfect way for families to start 2025 with excitement and wonder.

Program

Dragons and costumed performers in the Melbourne Museum.

Show Saturday 1 February 2025

Dragon Dance

10:00 AM | MAIN FOYER

Be mesmerised by the vibrant choreography, colourful costumes, and powerful drumbeats that have made Dragon and Lion dances a key part of cultural celebrations across Melbourne for decades.

Two children looking at gold display in Melbourne Story.

Activity 28 January 2025 to 2 February 2025

Zodiac Quest Competition.

Daily | MUSEUM GALLERIES

Embark on a scavenger hunt through the Museum’s galleries for a chance to win a trip to Europe for a family of four with Air China.

Activity Saturday 1 February 2025

Lunar Storytime

12 noon | Main Foyer

Melbourne-based writer Rebecca Lim leads a story time of her book Our Family Dragon.

Show Saturday 1 February 2025

Guzheng and Fan Dance Performance

10.45 AM AND 11.15 AM | MAIN FOYER

Listen to the enchanting melodies of this Chinese instrument and witness a graceful fan dance, performed by talented duo QiQi and Madison Lu.

Show Saturday 1 February 2025

Museum Snakes

10:30AM TO 1:30PM | Learning Lab Studio

Ever wondered what’s living beneath the Museum? Our live exhibits team will introduce two of our fascinating snakes as they come up to say hello.

A snake in a jar from the wet collection at Melbourne Museum

Tour Saturday 1 February 2025

Serpent Treasures

10:30AM to 1:30PM | LEARNING lab STUDIO

Slither into the captivating world of snakes with our Museum experts as they share some of the objects that are normally kept behind lock and key.

Accessibility

Please view our accessibility page for general information. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your visit.