Lunar New Year 2026: Musée Cernuschi in Paris offers a free weekend with dragon dance and workshop

Paris is getting ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a free cultural weekend at the Musée Cernuschi. Located in the 8th arrondissement, the venue has announced a festive program that will get young and old moving. The atmosphere promises color, sound and shared energy, without breaking the bank.

A free weekend at the Musée Cernuschi

The museum is announcing a free weekend with dragon dancing and workshops dedicated to Asian arts. In addition, themed tours and musical performances are planned, depending on the capacity of the venue. The objective remains simple: to share a festive time accessible to all.

This meeting would be held around midFebruary 2026to mark theYear of the Horse. For the Lunar New Year, the museum favors short, family-friendly formats. Some activities may require prior registration.

Entertainment attracts crowds fast, especially during shows. So arrive early for front-of-house and indoor seating. Admission remains free throughout the weekend.

“A free weekend to celebrate 2026 with the whole family, in the heart of Paris.”

For families and the curious

Families will find child-friendly workshops with a playful approach. Handling paper, inks and Chinese motifs stimulates curiosity and gesture. Then, a mediator guides the exchanges to keep the pace steady and safe.

In addition, the site usually offers break areas and a changing room. On the other hand, the rhythm of the drums can be impressive: bring hearing protection for the youngest. For Lunar New Year, a special reception is often organized.

• Access: nearby Monceau and Villiers metro stations.
• Address: 7 avenue Vélasquez, 75008 Paris.
• Arrive early to avoid the mid-day rush.
• Price: free; workshops offered on a space-available basis.
• Reservations possible for certain slots; please check on site or in advance.

What are we celebrating in 2026?

In 2026, we enter theYear of the Horse, symbolizing momentum and freedom. For the Lunar New Year, traditions emphasize luck, family and shared wishes. Parades and the dragon dance embody prosperity.

The dragon dance is often accompanied by percussion and red colors. In short, it symbolically chases away evil spirits and ushers in a cycle of good fortune. As a result, the audience is invited to encourage the bearers with applause.

The Musée Cernuschi is one of the City of Paris’ Asian art museums. What’s more, its permanent collections are usually accessible free of charge, unless otherwise indicated. This framework gives a special meaning to this cultural weekend.

Practical advice for a worry-free visit

Before you leave, check the day’s information: openings, queues and gauges. For the Lunar New Year, demand rises quickly, so plan ahead. Then, prepare a plan B if a workshop is fully booked.

Bring comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Crowds move more smoothly when everyone moves lightly. And don’t forget to respect the photo guidelines to protect the works of art and the artists.

Why go this year

This weekend brings together performing arts, heritage and transmission, all free of charge. You’ll enjoy a sensitive immersion in the rhythm of the Lunar New Year. It’s a wonderful gateway to Asian cultures.

The workshops encourage observation, fine motor skills and listening. What’s more, they complement what children see in class with hands-on practice. This approach fosters memories that last.

Locals and visitors alike can combine the visit with the nearby Parc Monceau. As a result, the outing takes the form of a cultural and nature stroll, ideal for families. It’s also an easy way to mark the Lunar New Year in a soothing setting.

Reserve your slot if necessary, then arrive a little early. This will facilitate access to the workshops and avoid queues. Finally, pay close attention to museum announcements, as schedules may change.

• Lunar New Year