Celebrate Lunar New Year with tours, craft activities, and lion dancers at Powerhouse Castle Hill. Free and suitable for all ages.
LUNAR NEW YEAR – 10 FEBRUARY
Welcome Ehru Performance with Dr Nicholas Ng 10.30am
Listen to a performance on the Ehru, a traditional Chinese instrument, and learn more about its history. Dr Nicholas Ng is interested in discovering new ways to connect with the ancient past, nature, and the spiritual world through traditional and contemporary sound.
Lion Head Workshop with Garrett Pon 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm
Join artist Garrett Pon and create your own cardboard lion head costume. Each kit includes mask, tail and story about Nian — the legendary beast. Learn more about how traditional lion costumes are made. Limited spots available, registration available on the day. Duration 30min.
The Race of the Zodiac Animals 10.30am–3.30pm
Learn the story behind the race of the Chinese Zodiac (Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang) and what personality traits make each animal special. Create your own zodiac animal to take home.
Lunar New Year Papercuts 10.30am–3.30pm
Chinese paper cutting or 剪紙; jiǎnzhǐ is a traditional folk-art form used in many festivities in China, especially during Lunar New Year. Make your own papercut to take home or display on our wall.
Lion Dance Performance by Qing Fong 3pm
Finish Lunar New Year Family Day with a bang! The Lion Dance brings good luck and prosperity and drives away evil spirits. Learn more about the history and costumes of the Lion Dance by the team from Qing Fong. Afterwards, meet the lion dancers and try on the costumes.
Mystery Object Challenge 11.30am and 2.30pm
Calling all budding historians, archaeologists and those with curious minds. Drop-in and test your sleuthing skills in this family-friendly activity to see if you can identify these historic mystery objects.
Meet the Mars Rover 1.30pm
Meet our quarter-scale Mars Rover Curiosity. Rovers specialise in exploring the red planet to collect samples and images. Hosts will be available to answer questions and talk about autonomous robotics.
Discovery Walkthrough: Dream Holiday 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Do you yearn for sandy soles, family adventures and faraway destinations? Design your dream holiday inspired by Powerhouse Collection objects on this 30-minute guided tour.
Curator Tour with Anni Turnbull and Alysha Buss 12pm and 2pm
Join Curators Anni Turnbull and Alysha Buss on a tour of the exhibition, Holidays.
Free. Registration recommended.