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Chinese New Year Comes Early to Collins Barracks
To celebrate the Chinese New Year: the year of the tiger, the National Museum of Ireland in conjunction with The Chinese Chiu Chung Lung Ying Academy, will be hosting a weekend of activities at Collins Barracks on January 30th and 31st. People of all ages can experience the ancient and exotic cultures of Asia and be captivated by a different world through exhibition talks, tours, art workshops, dragon dancing, meditation and music performances.
Activity Saturday
11am:
Special Gallery Talk
The Fonthill Vase and other Artefacts
Explore the Chinese collection on display in particular the famous ‘Fonthill Vase’ - the earliest documented piece of Chinese porcelain in Europe with Museum Educator Caomhán Mac Con Iomaire.
12 noon: Meditation and Tai Chi Classes
Taking place in The Palatine Room by Chinese Chiu Chung Lung Ying Academy
1pm: Visual Dragon Dance on Clarke Square by the Chinese Chiu Chung Lung Ying Academy.
Put on your favourite red t-shirt, trousers, shoes or ribbon, or perhaps come dressed head-to-toe in China Red.
2pm: Tour and Talk of ‘A Dubliner’s Collection of Asian Art: The Albert Bender Exhibition’ with exhibition curator, Dr. Audrey Whitty.
This exhibition displays material donated by Albert M Bender to the National Museum during the 1930s. The material includes a rare set of Thangkas illustrating the 17 Arhats (disciples) of Buddha and 4 Guardians of the 4 Quarters of the World from a Tibetan-Chinese temple dating to the 18th century. Also included are textiles associated with the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Japanese Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), a first degree Daoist Priest’s robe from 18th century China and several decorative arts objects in the areas of metalwork, ceramics and wood.
3pm: Drop in event at The Activity Area
Families can drop in at the Activity Area and make a Happy New Year Card for the Year of the Tiger! All art materials are supplied.
Lazy Sunday
Traditional Chinese Music
Unwind over lunch or coffee in our museum café to the restful sounds of ancient Asia.
Chinese Lion Dance
Put on your favourite red t-shirt, trousers, shoes or ribbon, where you will see Chinese Lion Dancers from the Chiu Chung Lung Ying Academy.
Also on display in The Museum is the What’s in Store exhibition, which includes such Asian material as lacquer, jade, ivory,enamel, statuary, painting and metalwork.
Further information: www.museum.ie
National Museum of Ireland
Decorative Arts & History
Collins Barracks
Benburb Street
Dublin 7.
