The National Museum of Asian Arts - Guimet in the 16th arrondissement of Paris invites you to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year and welcome the start of the Year of the Fire Horse on Saturday, February 21st. This traditional celebration, embraced by Asian communities worldwide, unfolds as an afternoon filled with festive and cultural activities accessible to all. From performances and storytelling tours to poetic moments, the museum transforms into a vibrant stage celebrating Chinese traditions.
For one day, the museum transforms into a lively festive space where visitors of all ages can explore and rediscover the treasures of Chinese culture. The highlight of the event remains the Lion Dance, a vibrant and rhythmic performance celebrated for warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck and prosperity. This year, the Paris Lion Sport troupe takes center stage in the Khmer courtyard. Passionate and dedicated, this team frequently travels to Hong Kong and Malaysia to hone their craft and keep this centuries-old tradition alive with authenticity.
2:00 PM: Workshop "First Chinese Brush Painting Session on the Firehorse" with artist Fong Jok Wah (duration: 2.30 hours - fee: €35 - booking mandatory at guimet.fr)
2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, and 4:15 PM: Guided tour "Riding the Firehorse!" with museum guides Justine Perrichon and Eloïse Véronési (duration: 40 minutes - free with an admission ticket - suitable for all, ages 7 and up)
3:00 PM and 4:00 PM: Lion dance performance by Paris Lion Sport in the Khmer courtyard (duration: 20 minutes - free with an admission ticket)
3:30 PM: Literary recital "Under the Starry Sky of Poetry" with poet Zhang Ruling at the Jean-François Jarrige Auditorium (free - reservations recommended at guimet.fr)
5:00 PM: Book signing and sale of the anthology "Under the Starry Sky of Poetry" edited by Gao Feng and Zhang Ruling (Gallimard Editions, 2024)
Guided tours offer a chance to explore the museum's collection of works highlighting the horse, an animal that has long captured the imagination of the Middle Kingdom. It’s a wonderful way to delve into the exhibits from a fresh, thematic perspective, through a narrated 40-minute journey.
The literary recital hosted by poet Zhang Ruling pays tribute to both Chinese and French poets, celebrating their work through her bilingual anthology. The event features readings, musical performances, and dance interpretations of works by Li Bai, Victor Hugo, Su Shi, Paul Verlaine, Paul Claudel, and Dai Wangshu. It concludes with a book signing session for the anthology published by Gallimard Editions.
Led by artist Fong Jok Wah, this workshop offers an introduction to Chinese writing and painting. You’ll learn how to prepare your ink and master the proper brush techniques—fundamental skills in this ancient art form. During this 2.5-hour session, each participant will have the chance to practice essential calligraphy strokes. The workshop is open to everyone, including beginners, for a fee of €35. Reservation is required and can be made directly on guimet.fr.
Most of the activities are free and available simply upon presentation of an admission ticket to the museum. The Guimet Museum, located at 6 Iéna Place in the 16th arrondissement, is easily reachable by metro (Line 9, Iéna station). The day of February 21, 2026, promises to be a wonderful opportunity to explore the traditions of the Chinese New Year with family, in the stunning setting of one of Europe's finest Asian art museums.
For more details on the schedule and reservations, visit the official website of the Guimet Museum. If you're looking for additional ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Paris, be sure to check out our curated list of events for the Chinese New Year in Île-de-France.
Dates and Opening Time
On February 21, 2026
Location
Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet
6, place d´ Iéna - 19, avenue d´ Iéna
75116 Paris 16
Access
Metro line 9 "Iéna" station
Official website
www.guimet.fr
More information
Please note: the activities are free, but the admission fee still applies!
