Exhibition
Empire State Plaza South Concourse
Through February 11, 2025
Lunar New Year
Year of the Snake
In 2025, cultures across Asia and beyond celebrate the Year of the Snake. The snake is at the center of culture and religious practice in these places but is celebrated in unique ways in each country. In the Chinese Zodiac, the snake can represent intelligence and determination. In Thailand, the nāga, sometimes represented as a half-human, half-cobra being, is a serpent spirit that protects the Buddha and is the country’s national symbol. In Japan, the hebi symbolizes transformation and rebirth. In Malaysia, the snake is found in fantastical decorative motifs.
The snake plays a crucial role during wartime and in battle. It is the antagonist and protagonist in folklore, literature, and performance, and it will be at the center of the many vibrant and colorful parades and dances.
This exhibition shows how the snake serves as a captivating muse in Asian art and has appeared as a visually powerful motif for thousands of years across Asia. All the cultural artifacts presented here can be found in the collections of museums and institutions throughout New York State.
