Kansas City, Missouri, is located almost halfway between the cultural icons of New York City and Los Angeles, deep in the heart of working-class America, and home to some of the tastiest barbecue west of the Mississippi. It’s somewhat surprising, then, to discover it’s also home to one of the finest collections of Chinese art in the world. With over 7,000 works from every phase of China’s artistic activity, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has become an institution of national and international renown, as well as a vital partner in the social and cultural life of Kansas City.
It’s no surprise, then, on January 27th, they will be celebrating the Year of the Pig with a massive, all-day Chinese New Year Festival. A vast roll call of activities is schedule for the entire family, from Tai Chi demonstrations to dance performances to calligraphy instruction, and yes, there’s even a zodiac animal hunt and plenty of Asian-inspired cuisine. Open between 10am-4pm, admission is free, like everyday at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.