37th Annual Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony (Early Access)

Program Schedule 

9:30–11 AM: Member Bell Ringing

11–11:30 AM: Touch tour of the temple bell for Blind and Visually Impaired Guests (pre-registration required) 

11 AM–2 PM: Hands-on Art Activities 

11:30 AM–1 PM: General Public Bell Ringing 

12:15–1 PM: Descriptive and tactile tour for Blind and Visually Impaired Guests (pre-registration required) 

After two years of ringing the bell virtually, one of the museum’s most popular and long-running annual events is happening in person again – and we want to see you there!

Ring in the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, this inspiring ceremony will include a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Reverend Akiba will begin the bell-ringing, and then it’s your chance to ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds or ill luck from the previous year. The bell will be struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires (bonno) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind. While you wait your turn, fold paper cranes for luck and prosperity in the new year. 

We encourage visitors to purchase general museum admission tickets before coming to the museum on December 31. An admission ticket guarantees entry to the museum, but visitors interested in joining the Bell Ringing Ceremony must pick up separate tickets to ring the bell at the main entrance to Samsung Hall once on-site.  This event is first come, first served. To ensure you have a chance to ring the bell, we recommend that you arrive at Samsung Hall no later than 10 AM. 

Accessibility

The Asian Art Museum is committed to making its events accessible to all. This event is wheelchair accessible and assistive listening devices (ALDs) will be provided. ASL interpretation is available upon request; please email [email protected] two weeks prior to the event to request an interpreter.

We invite our blind and vision-impaired community members to engage in a tactile experience as part of this annual celebration. Join us for a touch tour of the temple bell and receive priority seating for the ceremony. A descriptive tactile docent and storytelling tour of the newly renovated Japanese galleries follows. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Email [email protected] to reserve a spot.