Family Events

Upcoming Events


Full Schedule

Filtering by: “Manhattan”
GuggTeens Tuesdays 4/15/25
Apr
15

GuggTeens Tuesdays 4/15/25

GuggTeens Tuesdays are free weekly drop-in sessions where teens (ages 13–19) can explore art-making, sketching, and upcycling in the galleries. Led by educators and inspired by current exhibitions, these sessions are perfect for building portfolios, meeting fellow teen artists, or just getting creative. No experience needed—free museum admission, materials, and MetroCards provided. RSVP to save your spot!

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Free Friday with Astronomy Night
Apr
25

Free Friday with Astronomy Night

Join us for Astronomy Nights—FREE, fun, and educational for the whole family! Enjoy talks from top scientists, hands-on activities, and demos led by museum educators. Local astronomers will be on-site with powerful telescopes to guide you through the night sky and answer your stargazing questions. Bring your own binoculars or use the experts' telescopes!

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Inspiration Academy: Creating in Community - Learning Made Possible with Student Voices
Apr
8

Inspiration Academy: Creating in Community - Learning Made Possible with Student Voices

Join the Intrepid Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for a 90-minute virtual professional development session focused on integrating student voices into classroom culture. Learn strategies to empower students and explore the history of the space shuttle Enterprise and its pop culture impact. The session also includes a workshop on student-centered learning and the power of co-creation in the classroom.

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GuggTeens Tuesdays
Apr
8

GuggTeens Tuesdays

GuggTeens Tuesdays are free weekly drop-in sessions where teens (ages 13–19) can explore art-making, sketching, and upcycling in the galleries. Led by educators and inspired by current exhibitions, these sessions are perfect for building portfolios, meeting fellow teen artists, or just getting creative. No experience needed—free museum admission, materials, and MetroCards provided. RSVP to save your spot!

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Access Family Program: Navigation: Finding Your Way (Teens)
Apr
6

Access Family Program: Navigation: Finding Your Way (Teens)

From ships to planes, vessels of all types rely on navigation to find their way. Families will explore historic navigation tools and techniques used at sea and make connections to how we navigate the world today.

About Access Family Programs: The Intrepid Museum offers special programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Enjoy a guided tour and inclusive art-making activities on select Sundays. Morning sessions are for children and afternoon sessions are for teens and adults.

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Access Family Program: Navigation: Finding Your Way (Children)
Apr
6

Access Family Program: Navigation: Finding Your Way (Children)

From ships to planes, vessels of all types rely on navigation to find their way. Families will explore historic navigation tools and techniques used at sea and make connections to how we navigate the world today.

About Access Family Programs: The Intrepid Museum offers special programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Enjoy a guided tour and inclusive art-making activities on select Sundays. Morning sessions are for children and afternoon sessions are for teens and adults.

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Educator Drop-In Program
Apr
1

Educator Drop-In Program

Join us on the first Tuesday of each month for a session including museum admission, hands-on activities in our café, and take-home classroom resources. Come on your own, bring a colleague, or connect with other educators at the program! Free. Registration is required.

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MOCACREATE: Hot Off the Press! with Teaching Artist Yu Rong
Mar
22

MOCACREATE: Hot Off the Press! with Teaching Artist Yu Rong

Join us for a hands-on printmaking workshop inspired by the vibrant world of Asian American magazines! Led by Teaching Artist Yu Rong, this session explores stamping, monoprinting, and creative storytelling to help you design your own mini-magazine. Share your latest news—whether it’s a favorite book, a beloved pet, or a map to the best snacks in town—using styrofoam, cardboard, and ink to bring your ideas to life.

MOCACREATE workshops are inspired by museum exhibitions and local artists, offering families and visitors of all ages the chance to paint, build, craft, and collage together.

FREE! RSVP optional but appreciated.

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MOCA TALKS: Background Artist – The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong
Mar
19

MOCA TALKS: Background Artist – The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Karen Fang, film scholar and author of Background Artist: The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong. Best known for shaping the dreamlike landscapes of Bambi, Wong’s artistic legacy extends far beyond animation—spanning fine art, film, and even handcrafted kites flown on the beaches of Santa Monica.

From his early days as a young immigrant facing the Chinese Exclusion Act to his groundbreaking work in Hollywood and Hallmark, this talk honors Wong’s lasting impact on American visual storytelling. Moderated by Yifan Wu, MOCA’s Senior Director of Events and Operations, this discussion will celebrate an artist who bridged cultures and redefined the boundaries of creativity.

Don’t miss this inspiring event!

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MOCA CINEMA: Pianoman
Mar
14
to Mar 16

MOCA CINEMA: Pianoman

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) presents Pianoman, a moving documentary by filmmaker Sunny Liu. The film follows David Avendaño, an undocumented Mexican immigrant striving to build a piano factory in Yonkers, NY. Through resilience and ingenuity, David navigates the challenges of immigration, entrepreneurship, and family unity while chasing his dream.

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MOCACREATE: Hot Off the Press! with Teaching Artist Yu Rong
Mar
8

MOCACREATE: Hot Off the Press! with Teaching Artist Yu Rong

Dive into the world of printmaking and explore Asian American magazine culture! Use stamping and monoprinting techniques to create your own mini-magazine filled with personal stories—share your favorite book, map out the best snacks in your neighborhood, or tell the tale of your family pet.

All are welcome! MOCACREATE workshops are inspired by museum exhibitions and local artists, offering a hands-on creative experience for families and beyond.

RSVP now to save your spot!

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Students First: A Night at the Museum
Mar
7

Students First: A Night at the Museum

Experience an exclusive, free evening for undergraduate and graduate students, filled with art, music, and creativity. Celebrate the final weekend of Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910–1930 and explore Mondrian’s abstract masterpieces. Enjoy hands-on art-making, jewelry design, poetry, and a live DJ set by Justin Dean Thomas. Complimentary refreshments included, with beer, wine, and snacks available for purchase. Free with student ID; $15 for recent graduates and faculty.

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MOCA Queer StoryJAM #3 3/6/25
Mar
6

MOCA Queer StoryJAM #3 3/6/25

MOCA Queer StoryJAM returns with an evening of heartfelt storytelling centered on Intimacy. Five LGBTQIA+ Asian American storytellers will share personal narratives exploring connection—whether in romance, friendship, or family. Through these stories, we celebrate being seen, understood, and supported in our most authentic selves. Guests are also invited to share their own experiences during an open mic session. Join us for a night of reflection, understanding, and community.

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MOCA PERFORMS – Heteroglossia, Pt. 2Performing Artists-in-Residence Work-in-Progress Presentation, Day 2
Feb
23

MOCA PERFORMS – Heteroglossia, Pt. 2Performing Artists-in-Residence Work-in-Progress Presentation, Day 2

MOCA’s 2024-2025 Performing-Artist-In-Residence program presents MOCA Performs – Heteroglossia, Pt. 2, showcasing works-in-progress by this year’s artists. Performer-Composer-Improviser Shinya Lin will debut New Music City, an experiential music project that invites audiences on a curated sound journey through Chinatown. Inspired by the concept of Ubiquitous Music, this project challenges conventional listening experiences, fostering a heightened awareness of sound as an essential part of daily life and cultural identity.

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MOCA TALKS – All the Beautiful People Have Come to New York
Feb
22

MOCA TALKS – All the Beautiful People Have Come to New York

Join MOCA for a special talk with author Aiguo Ying, Vice President of the Association of American Chinese Writers, as he discusses his novella collection, All the Beautiful People Have Come to New York. Through vivid storytelling, Ying captures over forty years of Chinese diaspora history, exploring themes of migration, identity, and cultural memory against the backdrop of New York City.

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MOCA PERFORMS – Heteroglossia, Pt. 2Performing Artists-in-Residence Work-in-Progress Presentation, Day 1
Feb
21

MOCA PERFORMS – Heteroglossia, Pt. 2Performing Artists-in-Residence Work-in-Progress Presentation, Day 1

Experience “MOCA Performs – Heteroglossia, Pt. 2,” showcasing works-in-progress from MOCA’s Performing-Artist-In-Residence program. This year’s theme, Heteroglossia, explores identity through diverse cultural lenses. Filmmaker Min Ding presents Weaving Identity: Self-Coming & Beyond, a documentary on Cantonese women who defied tradition through celibacy, resonating with modern conversations on self-autonomy.

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Inspiration Academy: Inquiry That’s Out of This World!
Feb
11

Inspiration Academy: Inquiry That’s Out of This World!

Join the Intrepid Museum in partnership with New York Science Hall (NYSCI) for a 90-minute virtual professional development session that focuses on hands-on experimentation and inquiry-based learning. This session will explore the impact of engaging with space-age rockets, the Intrepid Museum's space shuttle orbiter, Enterprise, and the ethical issues surrounding space travel.

What to Expect:

Examine space artifacts and learn through interactive discussions.
Engage in a hands-on workshop that teachers can integrate into their classrooms.
Explore how engineers, designers, and makers collaborate to solve complex problems.
Credits: 1.5 CTLE credits.
Materials: Not provided.
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 7, 2025, at 3:00 pm EST.

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Lunar New Year Family Festival! @MOCA 2-1-25
Feb
1

Lunar New Year Family Festival! @MOCA 2-1-25

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at MOCA with a fun-filled Lunar New Year Family Festival! Enjoy cultural activities and surprises for all ages.
Morning session: 10 AM–1 PM; Afternoon session: 2 PM–5 PM.
Limited free tickets available for Culture Pass, Cool Culture, and Culture Connected families. Tickets at the door if capacity allows.

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MOCAKIDS: Chinese New Year Coloring & Activity Book Launch
Jan
29

MOCAKIDS: Chinese New Year Coloring & Activity Book Launch

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Brooklyn author Michele Wong McSween as she launches Gordon & Li Li’s: Celebrate Chinese New Year Coloring & Activity Book! Join us on January 29, 2025, at 2 PM for interactive storytelling, bilingual activities, crafts, and a book signing. Perfect for families with kids ages 3-8. Don’t miss MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover happening the same day from 1–4 PM!

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MOCA TALKS with Shang Saavedra: Wealth Is a Mindset
Jan
27

MOCA TALKS with Shang Saavedra: Wealth Is a Mindset

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) presents an evening with Shang Saavedra, founder of Save My Cents and author of Wealth Is a Mindset. Explore how mental health and financial freedom intersect as Saavedra shares actionable strategies for transforming your relationship with money. Moderated by Robert Chen, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, this event offers practical advice and insights into achieving financial security on your own terms.

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MOCA TALKS: Chinese Almanac: Year of the Snake
Jan
27

MOCA TALKS: Chinese Almanac: Year of the Snake

Join Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith at MOCA as they return with their beloved Pocket Chinese Almanac to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Discover the intelligence, elegance, and transformative energy of the Snake as they share insights, traditional practices, and tips for navigating the year ahead. Learn how the almanac, a cornerstone of Chinese culture, continues to guide daily life with wisdom and foresight.

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MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover with Teaching Artist Yu Rong & the Great Snake of Solidarity with the ALT Alliance
Jan
25

MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover with Teaching Artist Yu Rong & the Great Snake of Solidarity with the ALT Alliance

Ring in the New Year with creativity at MOCA! Join teaching artist Yu Rong on Saturday, January 25, for a special decoration-making workshop to transform the museum with festive art, featured during our Lunar New Year Family Festival.

ALT Alliance will also lead participants in crafting paper chain snakes inspired by the Great Wall of China, designed by visual artist Tzu Ching Chen. Don’t miss your chance to grab one of 50 limited-edition craft kits (free, $29.95 value) and contribute to a collective symbol of strength, unity, and cultural pride.

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Virtual Access Family Program: Full Steam Ahead! @ The Intrepid
Jan
12

Virtual Access Family Program: Full Steam Ahead! @ The Intrepid

Explore how the crew of the massive Intrepid aircraft carrier kept it moving, and go behind the scenes with a virtual reality look at its engine and fire rooms! This Access Family Program welcomes individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, alternating monthly between virtual and onsite sessions on select Sundays.

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MOCA PRESENTS – Threads of Home, A Participatory Theatre Workshop
Jan
11

MOCA PRESENTS – Threads of Home, A Participatory Theatre Workshop

As part of the production of New Year’s Eve Dinner by Director Zhenyu Meng and SpArkling Theatre Studio, the Museum of Chinese in America invites you to an immersive, participatory theater workshop titled Threads of Home. This workshop will offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process, utilizing Chekhov's acting techniques.

Participants will step into the floor plan of a traditional northern Chinese household, exploring the personal and emotional nuances of “home.” Through theatrical exercises, you’ll engage in a unique experience of memory, props, and dialogue — all while reflecting on what it means to gather during Lunar New Year.

What to Expect:

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MOCACREATE: Dream Big! Vision Boards
Jan
11

MOCACREATE: Dream Big! Vision Boards

Start the new year off right by designing a personalized vision board! Magazine designers use vision boards to find the perfect look and feel for their magazine— something that is visually appealing, draws readers in, and reflects the content of the articles. We can use our vision boards to envision our goals and dreams for the year ahead. What color palette embodies your hopes for 2025? What words can motivate you? What new things do you want to try? Whether you want to master new recipes, excel in a sport, or read a record number of books, a vision board can keep you on track and inspired.

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Lunar New Year Pop-Up Red Envelope Workshop with Artist Star Shen
Jan
11

Lunar New Year Pop-Up Red Envelope Workshop with Artist Star Shen

Join Chinatown BID for an inspiring afternoon of culture and creativity with Meggendorfer Prize-nominated paper engineer Star Shen at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)! This hands-on event is perfect for all ages and offers a unique exploration of pop-up art and tradition.

Event Highlights:
Journey Through Pop-Up Book History
Discover the origins, techniques, and evolution of pop-up books and their influence on modern storytelling.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Manhattan’s Chinatown Pop-Up Book
Be the first to preview Shen’s latest creation: a pop-up book celebrating the rich culture and landmarks of Manhattan’s Chinatown.

DIY Pop-Up Red Envelope Workshop
Craft your own Lunar New Year pop-up red envelopes under Shen’s expert guidance. Create personalized designs to share blessings and good fortune!

🎁 Bonus: Receive beautifully crafted gifts and connect with the vibrant culture of Chinatown!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, create, and celebrate!

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MOCA PERFORMS – Heteroglossia, Day 3
Dec
28

MOCA PERFORMS – Heteroglossia, Day 3

The Museum of Chinese in America’s 2024-2025 Performing-Artist-in-Residence program invites you to MOCA Performs – Heteroglossia, an engaging showcase of works-in-progress from five resident performing artists. This year’s theme, Heteroglossia, encourages artists to explore identity through the lens of their unique cultures and lifestyles.

In this presentation, Theater/Performance Director Yibin Wang will debut Tongues, a documentary performance project. Through personal stories and daily experiences, Tongues reflects on the cross-cultural identities of Asians in America, focusing on the significance of mother tongues and cultural heritage.

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NEA Big Read: Interior Chinatown Book Discussion and Writing Workshop
Dec
14

NEA Big Read: Interior Chinatown Book Discussion and Writing Workshop

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) kicks off its 2024-25 NEA Big Read initiative featuring Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. Celebrate the Hulu premiere of this National Book Award-winning novel with a free book discussion and writing workshop led by educator Alice Fung. Dive into themes like family histories, the immigrant experience, and storytelling as a tool for addressing real-world challenges. Participants will also engage in a creative writing activity and receive a free copy of the book.

No prior writing experience needed—everyone is welcome! Join us this winter to explore Where We Live through literature and community.

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