Exploring the Museum of Chinese in America

Celebrating Lunar New Year Festival

The Museum of Chinese in America hosted weeks of fun activities around the Lunar Year of the Pig New Year’s celebrations, highlighted by a full day of activities on Feb 16th. I was excited to see the line-up of arts and crafts, face painting, traditional snacks being served and dance performances throughout the day. I couldn’t think of a better way for all of us, especially Annie, to experience some of the cultural celebrations without the crowds of the street. Still a bit nervous, I called ahead of time and spoke with the staffs who were able to answer all accessibility questions and assisted with our ticket purchase.

The museum is dedicated to presenting the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of of the Chinese immigrant in the United States. On the first floor, the story follows the humble beginning and struggles of immigrant life to their dynamic presence today. Through thoughtful curation, the stories are depicted in photography, artifacts and by video. The second floor which is located below street level and accessible by a key operated lift for the wheelchair, has a large play and reading room, the Chinatown Learning Center & Collections Hub. It contains Chinese toys and books geared for the younger children. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are on this floor as well as an informal seating area.

Because our visit was during a special event, the museum was buzzing with constant activities so we spent our time floating through the current exhibits while toggling as many activities as we could. We learnt ribbon dancing techniques, nibbled on special bites served during New Year’s celebrations and delighted in watching the younger children on their Gallery Pig Hunt (we even helped them a little!). Did you know according to Chinese tradition the more dumplings you eat during New Years celebration, the more money you’d make in the coming year? It’s because dumplings are shaped liked pieces of gold making it one of the luckiest Lunar New Year food. Ha, as if we needed a reason to eat so many dumplings but at least we felt somewhat justified.

We had a spectacular time at the museum participating in the celebratory activities and learning about the Chinese immigration stories and life. This is definitely the smallest museum we’ve visited, however it’s very well curated and can be easily explored in 1.5-2 hours. Each staff and volunteers we encountered were readily available for assistance and noted as especially friendly providing a hospitable and intimate experience. So far it’s also the only museum where a guest with disability and their accompanying guest are free. We highly recommend a visit!

Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours

Accessible Information:
- Free admission for guest with disability and a person accompanying them!
- Note some of the exhibit rooms are small but still definitely accessible.
- Restrooms are accessible.
- Wheelchairs are available on loan. You may request an escort for a wheelchair user, advance notice is required by calling 855-955-6622 or emailing access@mocanyc.org.
- Written transcripts of select video core portraits and oral histories are available.
- Guide dogs are welcome.
- Assistive listening devices are available.
- Large print guide books are available.
- Guests with low vision or blind can request a guided tour to explore the core exhibition.
- A tactile map of the core exhibit are available for guests with low vision or blind.
- A social narrative is available for children on the autism spectrum, click here to access.
- Click here for full accessibility information.

Location:
215 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 855-955-6622
  www.mocanyc.org
Email: access@mocanyc.org

Admissions:
Free to all Guests

Schedule:
Wednesday-Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm
Closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s
 

Public Transportation: Bus stops nearby M9, M15, M103

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.mocanyc.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024