Kites of Asia

Celebrate Spring at the National Air and Space Museum’s Kites of Asia Family Day!  From 10 am to 3 pm you can talk to kite experts, see pan-Asian kite displays, marvel at indoor kite flying, make your own kite— and maybe even take a dance lesson!

MAKE SOMETHING

America by Air (Gallery 102)

• Build and decorate an airworthy sled kite
• Contribute to a group-build Chinese Centipede kite
• Fashion a Chinese Dragon puppet.
• Color a Thai-style kite
• Make a Japanese Hachimaki (worn by Japanese kite flyers)

Space Race (Gallery 114)

• Color art inspired by India, Nepal, and Tibet

DO SOMETHING

Milestones of Flight (Gallery 100)

• Discover local kite organizations and events

America by Air (Gallery 102)

• Find out about the kite that inspired this program and learn why it is not on display
• Hear about Tyrus Wong, influential early Chinese-American artist and kite maker

Space Race (Gallery 114)
Nepal Dance School -- Music and dance demonstrations followed by audience participation/lessons

• 10:30 am -11:15 am -- Himalayan Musical Instruments from India, Nepal, and Tibet
• 11:30 am -12:15 pm -- Nepali folk and Buddhist dances
• 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm -- Photo opportunity with a Yeti (the Abominable Snow Man) prop.
• 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm -- Himalayan Musical Instruments from India, Nepal, and Tibet
• 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm -- Nepali folk, Buddhist, North Indian classical Kathak, and Bollywood dances

The Wright Brothers (Gallery 208)

• Hear a Museum expert explain how the Wright brothers used kites to invent the airplane.

SEE SOMETHING

Throughout the Museum

• View displays of Pan-Asian Kites

West End (Gallery 104)

• Experience the grace of indoor kite flying

HEAR SOMETHING

Ages 3 and up, with an adult companion
11:00 am and 1:30 pm -- Indian Kite Stories by Swatantar