Dates: 20 January – 14 March 2023

Price: Included in the normal admission price

Venue: Level 1 Gallery, Museum of Chinese Australian History

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit (22 January 2023 – 9 February 2024). To celebrate the advent of the new year, the Chinese Museum is proud to present the exhibition Lucky Rabbit: A Celebration of Chinese New Year, curated by guest artist and textile designer Chris Chun.

Celebrated in China as Spring Festival, and throughout much of Asia as Lunar New Year, this festival is one of the most important dates on the global calendar – celebrated by a quarter of the world’s population, or over two billion people around the world.

The Lucky Rabbit exhibition is immersive and interactive and reveals the stories and history behind this significant cultural festival, one that is filled with mythology, symbolism, superstition, taboo, family traditions, ritual, celebration and hope for the future.

Lucky Rabbit includes a series of new artworks by Chris Chun, depicting each of the Chinese Zodiac animals, and features his signature style of combining Asian and Western motifs, reflecting his own Australian Chinese heritage.

As you move through the exhibition, you will explore the following sections:

• Introduction: the origins and history of Chinese New Year, around the world and here in Melbourne
• Customs and Traditions: Learn the rules of what you can and can’t do in order to maximise prosperity and wealth

• Food and Celebration: Perhaps the most enjoyable part of Chinese New Year is dining with loved ones, but even the food served has special meaning
• The Chinese Zodiac: Do you know your Chinese Zodiac animal sign? Find out and learn your characteristics and fortune

• Original Artworks: a new series of Chinese Zodiac prints by artist Chris Chun
• Wishing Tree: make your own wish for a happy and prosperous 2023!

• Pick up your Lucky Rabbit treasure hunt ($5) for added fun!

Plan your visit to the Lucky Rabbit exhibition and enjoy a visually inspiring and culturally enriching celebration now!  

Exhibition credits:
Guest Curator & Artist: Chris Chun
Managing Curator: Rosemary Forde
Exhibition Design: Yue Yang

Research: Emilia Tagaza
Translation: Bruce Song

See Lucky Rabbit's fabulous reviews：

"Lucky Rabbit" kindles Chinese New Year memory of multicultural communities in Australia-Xinhua (news.cn)

Hop to Melbourne's Lucky Rabbit exhibition (thesenior.com)

Exhibition review: Lucky Rabbit, Chris Chun from Tracey Cheung (artshub.com)

Part of the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival program, sponsored by: