38th Annual Japanese New Year's Bell-Ringing Ceremony Event (Purifying Rings of a 2,100 Pound, 16th-Century Japanese Temple Bell)NEW

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 12 pm

Members enjoy early admission to this event.


Event Date
December 31, 2023

Event Time
12:30 pm

Buy Tickets Here

Program Schedule
10:00 am: Doors open
10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Members-only Bell-Ringing  
12:00 pm: Haptic Tour for Blind and Visually Impaired Community (preregistration required)
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm: Public Bell-Ringing 

We encourage visitors to purchase general admission tickets prior to arriving at the museum. An admission ticket guarantees entry, but visitors interested in joining the Bell-Ringing Ceremony must pick up separate tickets to ring the bell at the entrance to Samsung Hall.

Members can attend an earlier Bell-Ringing Ceremony at 10:30 AM before the public ceremony begins. Learn more about member benefits.

Event Title Previous
Annual Japanese New Year's Bell-Ringing Ceremony (Swing at a 2,100-Pound, 16th-century Japanese Temple Bell)