Dates: December 11, 2024 to February 10, 2025
Venue: DAR Museum
Summary
Vietnam Society presented a special Vietnamese Tết Feast and Altar exhibition at the DAR Museum, located steps from the White House. In collaboration with cultural experts Dr. Loc Nguyen, founder of Nam Ngoc Hien, and Ms. Quan Lam of Vietnam Centre, the exhibition introduced visitors to the rituals, symbolism, and spiritual traditions of Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
The installation featured an authentic spring altar and New Year feast arranged in a formal state room. Each element was carefully sourced from Vietnam to reflect current practices in Vietnamese homes, honoring ancestors and welcoming renewal.
Visitors received access to printed and digital educational materials written by Vietnam Centre, offering insights into Tết customs, generational traditions, and the role of food and symbolism in Vietnamese culture.
Following the success of Vietnam Society’s 2024 installations, the DAR Museum invited the organization to present a dedicated Tết exhibition throughout the winter season. Thousands of guests from around the world experienced the display, making it one of the most visited cultural features of the year.
