Family Programs
The museum's interactive Family Programs allow parents and children to explore the many aspects of Asian art and culture together. Listen to lively storytelling in the galleries, watch a video or performance, or create a piece of original artwork—these are just a few of the entertaining activities the whole family can enjoy. So bring the kids and have some fun learning about art!
Unless indicated otherwise, all Family Programs are free with museum admission, and kids 12 and under always get in free. For more information on Family Programs, email familyprograms@asianart.org or call 415.581.3666. All dates and times are subject to change; please check our calendar for the latest updates.
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon
Year of the Dragon Celebration
Sunday, February 5, 11:00 am–4:00 pm
Free general admission courtesy of Target
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon with students of the Chinese American International School (CAIS) presenting Chinese classical music and dances from Chinese ethnic minorities, ending with a playful lion dance arranged by the students. The lion dance is an important part of every New Year celebration and is believed to scare away evil spirits and ensure a bright new beginning. Hunt for dragons in the galleries; listen to dragon stories; make a dragon paper cut, a Year of the Dragon button to wear, or rub on a temporary tattoo featuring the animals from the museum’s collection.
Dragon Tales
11:00 am (pre-K tour for kids ages 3–5), 1:00 and 3:00 pm
Meet at the Information Desk
The museum’s storytellers bring the galleries to life with dragon tales and stories of the Lunar New Year! 11:00 am pre-k tour for families with children ages 3–5.
Music and Dance Performance
12:00–12:45 pm
Samsung Hall
Students of the Chinese American International School (CAIS) present Chinese classical music and dances from Chinese ethnic minorities, ending with a playful lion dance arranged by the students. The lion dance is an important part of every new year celebration and is believed to scare away evil spirits and insure a bright new beginning. CAIS music director Susan Kennedy, will be available after the performance to answer questions.
Hands-on Activities
1:00–4:00 pm
North Court
Make a dragon puppet, a Year of the Dragon button to wear, or rub on a temporary tattoo featuring the animals from the museum’s collection.
Yoga Flow
2:00–3:00 pm
Education Studios
Get centered with Yoga Flow. Learn basic poses (asanas) for balance, flexibility and strength as you move your body into positions inspired by sculptures in the museum collection. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
"Target First Free Sundays"—free general admission on the first Sunday of every month and the family programs offered on that day—are made possible by Target. Due to capacity restrictions, admission is not guaranteed and supplies are limited.
Storytelling and Tours
Art Explorers' Maharaja Family Tour
Every Saturday, November 5 through April 7, 11:00 and 1:00 pm (30 minutes)
FREE with museum admission; kids 12 and under always get in free
Suggested for families with children ages 5-7, Meet near the Information Desk
Join a docent on a search for power symbols in the special exhibition Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts and engage your kids in looking at and talking about art.
Stories! The Wicked, the Wily and the Wise
Every Sunday, 1:00 pm (45 minutes)
FREE with museum admission; kids 12 and under always get in free
Ages 5–105, Meet near the Information Desk
Art comes to life in this storytelling program featuring myths and folktales from across Asia. The museum’s storytellers delight visitors of all ages telling tales from “How Ganesha Got His Elephant Head” to the “Inch High Samurai”.
Yoga Flow
First Sunday of every month, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Ages 5 and up, Education Studios
Part of the Target First Free Sunday program
Get centered with Yoga Flow. Learn basic poses (asanas) for balance, flexibility and strength as you move your body into positions inspired by sculptures in the museum collection. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.
A Modern Yogi’s Guide to Yoga Resources
Did you know that in the United States, September is National Yoga Month?
General:
http://www.yogajournal.com/
http://www.yogamonth.org/
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/
http://www.yogasite.com/
http://www.thesecretsofyoga.com/
Personal Perspectives:
http://www.lamamarut.org/
Practice:
http://home.acceleration.net/clark/COOL938/Email.Essays/Tibetan.Yoga/Five.Rites.html
http://www.mkprojects.com/pf_TibetanRites.htm
For Kids:
http://www.yoga4kids.org/
http://www.karmakidsyoga.com/
Movements:
http://hathayoga.net/
http://www.bksiyengar.com/
http://www.bikramyoga.com/
http://www.kundaliniyoga.org/index.html
http://www.ashtanga.com/
Art Projects to Make at Home
Learn more about Asian art and cultural traditions with these fun, hands-on art projects you can make at home.
New coloring page! Artist and animator Sanjay Patel created this cool portrait of the demon king Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana (pdf).
New Activity! Make a Thai Style Shadow puppet (pdf) and Thai Spirit House (pdf)
Mempo Mask (pdf)
Kimono Doll Finger Puppet (pdf)
Stencil (Katazome) Kimono (pdf)
Katazome is a traditional Japanese method of dyeing fabrics using a resist paste applied through a stencil. Try designing fun kimono using different patterns and colors.
Samurai Helmet (Kabuto) (pdf)
Template One (pdf)
Template Two (pdf)
Template Three (pdf)
Chashitsu: Japanese Teahouse Model (pdf)
Make your own three dimensional Teahouse and decorate with colors and fun materials.
Samurai Armor Instructions (pdf)
Template One (pdf)
Template Two (pdf)
Samurai Sword Instructions (pdf)
Make a tsuba (sword guard) and a sword at home with paper, ribbon and other simple materials.
Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry made of three lines (5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables) that is commonly a meditation on nature. Make an image using colorful paper and ink, and then write a haiku inspired by your creation.
Gallery Guides
Explore the Asian Art Museum's collection galleries and special exhibitions with these fun, engaging guides.
Korea Gallery Guide (pdf)
A Modern Yogi's Guide to Yoga (pdf)
Guides to Japanese Screens
Explore the materials, formats, and subjects of Japanese Screens during the Beyond Golden Clouds: Five Centuries of Japanese Screens exhibition.
Lead funding for the Asian Art Museum’s Education and Public Programs is provided by the Bank of America Foundation. Major support provided by the Koret Foundation, the Freeman Foundation, the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation, PARSA Community Foundation, and Douglas Tilden. Additional support provided by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, United Airlines, the MetLife Foundation, the Mary M. Tanenbaum Fund, the San Francisco Foundation—Shenson Foundation, the Joseph R. McMicking Foundation, and Dodge & Cox.
"Target First Free Sundays"—free admission on the first Sunday of every month and the family programs offered on that day—is made possible by Target. Free admission to Target First Free Sundays is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to capacity restrictions, admission is not guaranteed.
The Art Speak teen program made possible in part by a grant from Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
