Lunar New Year at NGV is back, and trust us, you don’t want to miss this vibrant celebration packed with culture, delicious food, performances, and fun activities for all ages.
Mark your calendars for Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February 2025, when NGV International will be buzzing with energy to welcome the Year of the Snake. With free events spread over two days, it’s basically impossible to leave without feeling inspired—or at least full from all the incredible eats.
Chef and restauranteur Victor Liong, a shining star of Melbourne’s culinary scene and the genius behind Lee Ho Fook, has crafted a menu for the occasion so good it’ll ruin all other meals for you. Think Kashgari cumin lamb skewers, dumplings, five spiced duck sausage rolls, jasmine tea cream choux puffs… and we’re just getting started. Lee Ho Fook, by the way, is no small fry—it’s got two Chef’s Hats and is consistently ranked among Victoria’s top restaurants. Oh, and HSBC is sponsoring this bespoke menu, too. Fancy.
Victor Liong will also join food writer and TV presenter Jennifer Wong in a fascinating culinary discussion for Lunar New Year. They’ll mix tradition with modern flair, serving up an insightful conversation on how food symbolizes prosperity and connection while sharing personal stories about family and heritage. Bonus for the audience? Complimentary loose-leaf tea from Lee Ho Fook to sip on at home. Yes, please.
If you’ve got little ones in tow, keep them happy with an illustrative workshop hosted by artist Yiwon Park. Kids will decorate Korean fortune pouches (bokjumeoni), filling them with drawings of lucky symbols like rice cakes, coins, and peaches. Meanwhile, grown-ups can head to the NGV Garden to play some mahjong—because who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? Oh, and don’t forget the free Häagen-Dazs ice cream from 3.30pm. Yes, NGV is treating us all like VIPs.
Performances? Of course, there are performances! From epic lion dances that bring good luck and prosperity to the jaw-dropping ancient art of bian lian (a face-changing act from Sichuan opera), you’re in for a show. The Peking opera performances are another can’t-miss spectacle, blending music, storytelling, and dramatic costumes to transport you to a different world. Meanwhile, DJs Rainbow Chan and Small Fry will keep the vibes lively in the iconic Great Hall.
For those wanting to soak in a bit of history and heritage, there are guided tours of the NGV Collection in both Mandarin and English, taking you through hidden treasures and lucky symbols in the International Decorative Arts collection.
Whether you’re here for the lion dances, the foodie delights, or just the free ice cream (no shame in that), NGV’s Lunar New Year celebration has got something for everyone—cultural traditions, modern twists, and a whole lot of good vibes. Come for the art; stay for, well, literally everything else!
NGV International, St Kilda Road | Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February 2025 | FREE