Museum of Chinese in America 40.71947° N -73.999176° W

Description

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is an arts and cultural center dedicated to the experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. Located in Manhattan's Chinatown, its art and interactive exhibits help all students develop an understanding of Chinese American history and culture.

*Please see our availabilities below as we offer programs outside of our regular hours for the public. Programs can be scheduled on Tuesdays.*

MOCA is excited to offer both in-person and virtual, educator-led programs for school groups from grades K-12, as well as college, adult, and older adult groups.

In-Person Group Reservation Policies

  • Reservations for in-person group tours must be made at least 4 weeks in advance.
  • For guided gallery programs, there is a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 28 students per time slot.
  • For guided neighborhood walking tours, there is minimum of 8 and a maximum of 15 students per time slot.
  • If your group is larger than 28 for gallery programs or 15 for walking tours, we ask that you make arrangements to divide your group and schedule two or more separate time slots.
  • Programs are 75 minutes long. Programs can be modified for groups of all needs and abilities, and program time can be adjusted under special request. Please contact the Education Department at education@mocanyc.org for special arrangements.
  • Groups are responsible for arriving at the Museum at their scheduled tour time. Unfortunately, we cannot extend guided tours past their scheduled end time. Groups arriving late may have their programs shortened. Any group arriving more than 15 minutes late cannot be guaranteed its scheduled guided tour, but will still have access to the museum.

In-Person Group Tour Fees (per group):
$100/ DOE Title 1 School*
$150/NYC Public School/CUNY/SUNY
$200/Independent and Out of State Schools (K-12)
$250/College and University Students, Adults
$150/Seniors
*Title 1 schools in Chinatown, Two Bridges, and the Lower East Side may qualify for reduced rates or waivers. Please ask for details when you make a reservation.

MOCA is pleased to be able to offer a limited number of free, in-person field trips for K-12 NYC public schools during the 2024-2025 school year, courtesy of an anonymous donor. Guided tours will be available during: October, November, December, March, April, and June. Priority will be given to Title I and neighborhood schools.

Eligibility:

  • Your school must be a public or Title I school in New York City.
  • Each group of students must be no more than 25 for a gallery tour, and no more than 15 for a neighborhood walking tour.
  • A $30 deposit per group/tour is required to hold your booking. This deposit will be refunded in full upon completion of your field trip.
  • All bookings are final and cannot be rescheduled for any reason. The museum agrees to cancel or reschedule tours with no penalty if the NYC Department of Education issues a cancellation of field trips and/or school due to outside circumstances or inclement weather.
  • Each group leader is required to complete a 5-minute impact survey following their visit.

To apply for a free, in-person field trip for your class, please book a program through Explorable Places and include “Applying for grant-funded field trip” as part of the answer to “What kind of group are you bringing?”

Please email education@mocanyc.org with any questions.

Virtual Programs
Virtual programs engage students with primary sources from the museum’s collection through close looking exercises, guided discussions, and interactive activities.

  • All virtual school programs require at least 1 teacher or chaperone present online for the duration of the program.
  • Reservations for virtual school programs must be made at least two weeks in advance.
  • All virtual school programs are offered live online and take place through the digital platform Zoom.
  • All virtual school programs are 60 minutes unless otherwise specified.
  • Virtual school programs are designed for one class at a time, allowing us to tailor the program to the teacher and students. If your group is larger than 30 participants, we ask that you make arrangements to divide your group and schedule two or more virtual visits.
  • We welcome groups with special needs. Please contact the Education Department at education@mocanyc.org for information regarding programs and accommodations.
  • Please arrive ON TIME to the virtual school program. Groups arriving late will miss all or part of their program in order to respect our museum scheduling.

Virtual Program Fees (per group):
$75/ DOE Title 1 School*
$100/NYC Public School/CUNY/SUNY
$125/Independent and Out of State Schools (K-12)
$150/College and University Students, Adults
$100/Seniors
*Title 1 schools in Chinatown, Two Bridges, and the Lower East Side may qualify for reduced rates or waivers. Please ask for details when you make a reservation.

Payment

  • We require a deposit of $30 per tour at least 2 weeks in advance to hold your reservation.
  • Your deposit is non-refundable, but will be applied to the total cost of your tour(s). If you need to cancel your visit and cancellation is not made in accordance with museum cancellation guidelines, your deposit will not be refunded
  • Payments can be made by credit card, check, or NYC DOE Purchase Order.
  • Please make checks payable to: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St, NY, NY 10013.
  • MOCA is a NYC DOE Vendor. Our vendor number is: 11-2517055.
  • Payments must be made in full before the start of your tour.


Lunch Notes

There are no indoor lunch facilities at the museum. Weather permitting, groups can eat lunch in nearby Columbus Park. Rapkin-Gayle Plaza, or Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Please enjoy snacks before your visit.

Bathroom Notes

Bathrooms and a water fountain are located on the lower level of the museum. The lower level is accessible by stairs or a staff-operated lift.

Cancellation Policy

If your group must cancel its visit, please let us know by emailing education@mocanyc.org as soon as possible. We are a small team and would love to accommodate as many groups as we can. Thank you in advance!

  • The museum requires a minimum of five business days’ advance notice for program cancellations.
  • Cancellations made with less than five business days will incur a 25% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made within three business days of your tour will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made the day of your tour will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
  • DOE Cancellation: The museum agrees to cancel or reschedule tours with no fee if the NYC Department of Education issues a cancellation of field trips and/or school due to outside circumstances or inclement weather.
  • We do our best to be flexible with every school, but late cancellations and no-show groups incur significant staffing costs to the museum.
  • If you need to reschedule, we will make every effort to accommodate a new proposed date, but cannot guarantee a spot.
  • We reserve the right to cancel museum visits based on circumstances beyond our control. If we have to cancel your visit, we’ll notify you as soon as possible and assist you in rescheduling. If we are unable to reschedule, we'll provide a full refund.

Info

215 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013

+1 212-619-4785

education@mocanyc.org

Sun
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mon
Closed
Tues
Closed
Wed
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thur
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Teacher Tips

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Subjects
History, 19th Century, 20th Century, Social Studies, Cultural Connections, Speaking & Listening, World War I & Ii, Government & Civics, Geography, Immigration, Women's History, Social Justice, Weather And Climate, My Community, Arts, Music, Theater, Dance, Current Events, Primary Sources, Research, Myths & Legends, Folktales, City Planning, Art, Reading, Informational Texts
Activities
Field Trip, Virtual Field Trip, Tour Groups, School Based Program, Family Programs, Professional Development
Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Postsecondary, Adult, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Preschool
Cost
Reduced Price For Title 1 Schools
Accommodations
Esl, Special Education Programs

Learning Experiences

Field Trip

Core Exhibit Gallery Highlights Tour

Learn about MOCA’s core exhibit, With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America, in this educator-led gallery tour that provides an overview of the Chinese in America from the 19th century through the present day. Items in the Museum’s collection are used to highlight the major themes of the exhibit. (60 minute option available)

Subjects Covered

history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, geography, cultural connections

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, postsecondary
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Where Do Stereotypes Come From?

Students examine and analyze representations of the Chinese in America in political cartoons, advertisements, and pop culture ranging from the 19th century through the present day. Through a series of document-based exercises that strengthen critical thinking and visual literacy and analysis, students learn the origins of stereotypes and social fears, such as xenophobia and racism, in US society. Students make connections between representations of race and labor relations, immigration and naturalization policies, and international affairs.

Subjects Covered

history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, social justice, primary sources

Grades
8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Customs and Traditions

Curious about lion dance, Cantonese opera, and other traditions that permeate Chinese American culture? Pack your suitcase, and follow along! On this guided gallery experience, students will explore Chinese American customs and traditions through the lenses of performing arts, language, food, and daily life. Students will have opportunities to share their own cultural traditions and make connections with the Chinese immigrant community.

Subjects Covered

social studies, cultural connections, arts, music, dance

Grades
2, 3, 4
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Family Journeys: The Chinese American Experience

Through an examination of personal artifacts, photographs, and documents from the Museum’s collection, students will explore the Chinese American experience from past to present. Students will learn about successive waves of Chinese immigrants, their motivations for coming, where they settled, how they were treated, how they adapted to their new life, and how they shaped American society. Hands-on activities with primary sources will encourage students to delve deeper into pertinent themes and to make connections with their personal experience.

Subjects Covered

history, immigration, 20th century, social studies, cultural connections, primary sources

Grades
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided Visit

Explore the museum at your own pace! Self-guided groups are welcome to visit our core exhibit, With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America, as well as our special exhibits and the Our Chinatown Learning Center. K-8 self-guided groups must bring at least 1 chaperone for every 8 students. Age-appropriate worksheets are available upon request.

Subjects Covered

history, social studies, social justice

Grades
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, postsecondary
Capacity
60 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

From Coffeehouses to Banquet Halls

Offered April - December.

Restaurants have always played an essential role in New York City's Chinatown. Trace the evolution of eateries in Chinatown, highlighting stories of diversity—the flavors of China’s regional cuisines converging in New York City; stories of legacy—Chinatown’s sons and daughters who grew up to be entrepreneurs and restaurateurs; and stories of evolution—a constant weaving between the classic and modern, the old and the new.

NOTE ON CHAPERONES: Walking Tour groups larger than 15 will be split into two groups, each with their own educator. Groups will do the tour simultaneously, but may complete stops in a different order and will not necessarily be within eyesight of each other. Please plan accordingly and bring sufficient chaperones if your school requires a teacher to be with students at all times.

Subjects Covered

history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, cultural connections

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, postsecondary
Capacity
15 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Experiences for Community Partners

MOCA Education is happy to offer any of our current learning experiences to qualifying community partners at reduced rates or free of charge. Please specify your preferred program when booking.

Subjects Covered

history, immigration, cultural connections, my community, arts

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Chinatown: A Walk Through History

Offered April - December.

Uncover the history of one of New York City’s oldest neighborhoods! This walking tour focuses on how everyday buildings and places of historical significance reflect and shape a community--from its origins as the Native American village of Werpoes Hill in 1600 to its present status as one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities in New York City. Highlighted sites include the oldest streets in Chinatown, a Catholic church, Chinatown's oldest general store, and a Chinese eatery that catered to the needs of Chinatown’s turn-of-the-century “bachelor society.”

NOTE ON CHAPERONES: Walking Tour groups larger than 10 people will be split into two groups, each with their own educator. Groups will do the tour simultaneously, but may complete stops in a different order and will not necessarily be within eyesight of each other. Please plan accordingly and bring sufficient chaperones if your school requires a teacher to be with students at all times.

Subjects Covered

history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, cultural connections, my community

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, postsecondary
Capacity
15 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Special Exhibition- Five Senses of Chinatown

** Offered beginning May 1st, email education@mocanyc.org to inquire!** Five Senses of Chinatown captures the unique character of Manhattan Chinatown through artwork by students from local schools, historical artifacts from MOCA’s Collection, and interactive sense stations. Explore the exhibit’s diverse range of works inspired by Chinatown spaces like homes, public parks, street life, businesses, eateries, grocery stores, and bubble tea shops. Activate your senses with fun educator-led activities as well as a Chinatown-themed craft!

Subjects Covered

history, immigration, social studies, cultural connections, arts

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Exploring Chinatown's Community

Offered April - December.

Bring students to the Museum of Chinese in America for an in-person exploration of New York City’s vibrant Chinatown. Students will learn about the landmarks, businesses, and people that make up the Chinatown community, and connect them to places and people in their own home neighborhoods.

NOTE ON CHAPERONES: Walking Tour groups larger than 15 will be split into two groups, each with their own educator. Groups will do the tour simultaneously, but may complete stops in a different order and will not necessarily be within eyesight of each other. Please plan accordingly and bring sufficient chaperones if your school requires a teacher to be with students at all times.

Subjects Covered

social studies, geography, cultural connections, city planning, my community

Grades
1, 2, k
Capacity
15 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Mapping Chinatown

Offered April - December.

Bring students to New York City’s historic Chinatown for a fun and interactive map-themed trip! Students will explore the landmarks and businesses of Chinatown in person, then create their own maps to record their visits and what they’ve learned about this community.

NOTE ON CHAPERONES: Walking Tour groups larger than 15 will be split into two groups, each with their own educator. Groups will do the tour simultaneously, but may complete stops in a different order and will not necessarily be within eyesight of each other. Please plan accordingly and bring sufficient chaperones if your school requires a teacher to be with students at all times.

Subjects Covered

social studies, geography, cultural connections, city planning, my community

Grades
2, 3, 4, 5
Capacity
15 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Field Trip

Family Journeys: Finding a Way

Through an exploration of a selection of primary and secondary sources about two Chinese Americans -- Kenneth Ang and Hazel Ying Lee -- students will learn about the impact of race and gender discrimination in the past and be guided to make contemporary connections. In particular, students will look closely at how the Chinese Exclusion Act affected would-be immigrants and Chinese Americans.

Subjects Covered

history, immigration, women's history, social studies, cultural connections, social justice

Grades
6, 7, 8
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Customs & Traditions: Dimsum, Dumplings and Duck

Through an exploration of a selection of popular Chinese and Chinese American foods, students will learn about the diversity and adaptability of Chinese food culture and make connections to their own food customs and traditions. Students will investigate how differences in geography and climate in China have created diverse, regional cuisines. Students will also explore the food customs and traditions Chinese immigrants brought with them and how these customs and traditions have been preserved, changed, or adapted to new circumstances.

Subjects Covered

immigration, weather and climate, social studies, geography, cultural connections, my community

Grades
k, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Customs & Traditions: Performing Arts

Students will gain an appreciation of performing arts by learning about Chinese opera styles and lion dancing. Students will practice deep looking and critical reasoning skills through activities including comparing and contrasting lions and dragons, discussing the symbolism of costumes and gestures, and thinking about how the arts impact people's lives both during celebrations and as part of their everyday activities.

Subjects Covered

immigration, arts, music, theater, dance

Grades
3, 4, 5, k, 1, 2
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Family Journeys: Meet Kenneth

Through an examination of personal artifacts, photographs, and documents from the Museum’s collection and others, students will explore the Chinese American experience through the lens of Kenneth, a young Chinese boy who emigrated to the United States via Angel Island. Students will consider what the journey was like, learn about the specific challenges Chinese immigrants faced, investigate the conditions on Angel Island, and reflect on immigration laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Interactive activities coupled with close looking will encourage students to make connections between past and present experiences of immigrants to the U.S., and even their own.

Subjects Covered

history, immigration, social studies, cultural connections, my community, social justice

Grades
3, 4, 5
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

“I am Not a Virus”: Revisiting the Perpetual Foreigner Stereotype in the Time of COVID-19

A remotely guided program using primary and secondary sources from MOCA’s collections and others to analyze the history and impact of the perpetual foreigner stereotype, with an emphasis on how that stereotype has affected, and continues to affect, people of Chinese heritage (or perceived as being Chinese or of Chinese heritage) in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subjects Covered

history, immigration, social studies, cultural connections, social justice, current events

Grades
9, 10, 11, 12, postsecondary, adult
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Hidden Voices: Wong Chin Foo

Through an examination of personal artifacts, photographs, and documents from the Museum’s collection and others, students will explore the Chinese American experience through the lens of Wong Chin Foo, a Chinese American immigrant, journalist, and activist. Students will learn about the specific challenges Chinese immigrants faced when trying to build new homes in America, investigate how they tried to counter stereotypes and advocate for themselves, and reflect on immigration laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Interactive activities coupled with close looking will encourage students to make connections between past and present experiences of immigrants to the U.S., and even their own.

Subjects Covered

history, immigration, social studies

Grades
6, 7, 8, 4, 5
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Happy Lunar New Year at Home! (Seasonal)

Offered January - March
Through a guided interactive virtual experience, students learn about one of the most important and long-standing holidays for Chinese communities in America and all over the world. How do people prepare for Lunar New Year? What are the meanings behind the various customs? How have Chinese Americans preserved and adapted these customs? What makes the Lunar New Year celebration unique and what makes it universal?

Subjects Covered

social studies, cultural connections, arts, myths & legends, folktales

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

virtual field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Tour Groups

Visit to the MOCA Workshop at 3 Howard

MOCA has a growing collection of over 85,000 artifacts and ephemera that document the Chinese American diaspora including audio/video recordings, books, documents, oral histories, photographs, textiles, etc. dating back to the early 1900s.

On January 23, 2020, a fire destroyed the iconic building at 70 Mulberry Street in the heart of Manhattan’s Chinatown. The building was home to MOCA’s collections and research center, where the entirety of the 85,000+ objects comprising our archives were stored. With the guidance, support, and aid of several New York City agencies and over 400 volunteers, MOCA was able to recover 95% of our archives. However, we estimate that over 73% of the collections will need restoration. The materials, which have been professionally dried, are now housed and being cared for at the MOCA Workshop, our newly renovated collections and research center located at 3 Howard Street.

Tour our 3 Howard Street facility with the MOCA Collections Team.

Subjects Covered

immigration, social studies, government & civics, arts, primary sources, research

Grades
adult
Capacity
25 stu., 1 chap. per 2 stu.
Activity

tour groups

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

School Based Program