Spring break

You can write a love letter, but it's even more fun to make one with beads, just like the Nguni and Zulu people in South Africa. Girls there make beaded letters for the boys they are in love with. These letters convey a message using different colours and shapes. In this assignment, you will make your own letter. Not in love? No problem. There is bound to be someone you love very much for whom you can make a love letter. Or make one for someone who could use some love.   

• For whom: 8+ or 6+ accompanied by an adult  
• When: Saturday 14 February, Valentine's Day  
• Time: 12:00-16:00 (Please note: join by 15:30)   
• Location: Atelier    
•  Price: free with a museum ticket  

On the first Sunday of the spring break, Sunday 15 February 2026, the Wereldmuseum Leiden will celebrate Chinese New Year with a special event. There will be a spectacular lion dance to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year. The programme also includes many different workshops and activities related to Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse.  Come and join the celebrations.   

• When: Sunday 15 February   
• Time: 10:00-17:00  
• For more information & tickets: Chinees Nieuwjaar special | Wereldmuseum Leiden 

Discover the art of traditional Chinese knotting during this Chinese lucky knots workshop. Lucky knots are elegant, decorative knots that symbolise prosperity, happiness and harmony. During the workshop, you will learn about their meaning and how to make these beautiful knots. At the end of the workshop, you will go home with your own handmade lucky knot and the knowledge to continue knotting yourself.      

• For whom: 8+ or 6+ accompanied by an adult  
• When: 16 February to 1 March  
• Time: 12:00-16:00 (Please note: join by 15:30)    
• Location: Atelier    
• Price: free with a museum ticket  

n the Workshop, you will make a lantern in which a horse appears to be galloping! In the Chinese zodiac, the horse is an animal that loves to travel and is always curious. It does not give up easily, is brave and dares to try difficult things. First, you decorate your lantern with gold, then you make the horse really move. This is how you bring the Year of the Horse to life – on to a year full of adventure, perseverance and new opportunities, galloping towards a wonderful new beginning.  

• For whom: 8+ or 6+ accompanied by an adult  
• When: 16 February to 1 March  
• Time: Continuous workshop, join in if there is space.      
• 12:00-16:00 (Please note: join in until 15:30)    
• Location: Studio    
• Price: free with a museum ticket 

What is luck and what is misfortune? The ancient Chinese story of Sai Weng shows how events only acquire meaning later on. When his horse disappears, it seems like a loss. When the animal returns with a wild horse, it seems like luck. Yet Sai Weng remains calm: he knows that everything can change. The story reflects important themes from Chinese philosophy, such as balance, patience and letting go of quick judgements. This wisdom ties in nicely with the Year of the Horse in China, which focuses on strength, movement and unexpected twists and turns.  

• For whom: all ages  
• When: 16 February to 20 February  
• Time: 13:00-13:15 & 16:00-16:15  
• Price: free with a museum ticket  

Meet Papwa, the colourful Cendrawasih who has his heart and roots in Papua but lives in the Netherlands. The story of this bird of paradise takes young visitors on a journey about identity, connectedness and carrying multiple worlds. As part of the temporary exhibition “Time for Papua”, educator and writer Gill Aringaneng will give a lively book presentation, followed by a creative workshop based on her beloved children's book character Papwa.  

• When: Wednesday 18 February & Sundays 22 February  
• Story: 14:00-14:15  
• In the cinema room of the exhibition Time for Papua  
• Join in if there is space.  
• The story is suitable for all ages. 
• Workshop: 14:20-15:00 
• Workshop room 
• Max. 15 participants 
• Register at the desk. 
• The workshop is for ages 8 and up, ages 6 and up with supervision. 

Experience the exhibition with the Papua dice game. During this family route, you will actively explore the exhibition together in search of various objects. With a dice, cards and fun assignments, you will learn more about Papua and each other. The route invites you to look, draw, search, ask questions and move around. This makes a visit to the museum an active experience full of wonder, fun and learning together for the whole family. 

• For whom: Ages 6 and up 
• When: 16 February to 1 March 
• Time: Continuously from 10:00 to 17:00  
• Location: Available at the reception desk  
• Price: free with a museum ticket