Our Bureau
New York, NY
South Street Seaport Museum announces Holi at the Seaport Museum on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 11am to 5pm. Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Holi at the South Street Seaport community celebration. Enjoy free admission to the Seaport Museum and participate in an exciting day of cultural activities!
The action-packed day includes the Holi Literary Festival and a Collaborative Mural at the Seaport Museum, along with exciting activities at Pier 17 and Seaport Square presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree and the Seaport. Enjoy thrilling dance and drum performances, a comedy show, opportunities to explore the flavors of Holi, and, of course, the iconic throwing of colorful pigments––the quintessential part of Holi.
Holi Literary Festival | 11am | 213 Water Street
Kick off the neighborhood Holi celebration at the Seaport Museum with a family-friendly Holi Literary Festival in the first-floor gallery of the newly opened Maritime City exhibition!
Enjoy featured book readings by author and actor Jugal Hansraj and author Anu Sehgal, celebrating Holi and Indian culture. Plus, meet authors Kabir Sehgal, Jennifer Kurani, Monica Saigal, Niki Patel, and Shweta Ganesh Kumar.
Space is limited and likely to fill quickly. Advanced registration is encouraged for this free event but walkups will be accommodated as possible.
As you leave the event, make sure to get your complimentary color packet (while supplies last) to use in the celebration on Pier 16.
Holi Collaborative Mural | 11am–5pm | Pier 16
Visitors of all ages are invited to continue the Holi celebration on Pier 16 with the Museum by joining in to create a vibrant collaborative mural inspired by the colorful pigment and balloon fights of the annual festival.
Every participant will be provided with a colorful paint to add their touch to the mural, creating a collective masterpiece. Let’s roll up our sleeves together and celebrate the kaleidoscope of colors that define Holi.
Supplies are limited. This free activity takes place outdoors at Pier 16 and walkups are welcome. No additional registration required.
A Brief History of Holi
Holi originated on the Indian Subcontinent as a vibrant festival of colors, symbolizing the onset of Spring. Today, this joyous celebration has transcended borders and is embraced worldwide as a spirited way to welcome the season, promote inclusivity, and revel in playful and colorful festivities.
Free Museum admission tickets for Holi grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 as well as all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street and the newly opened Maritime City exhibition in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street. Just make sure to enjoy the Museum’s exhibition galleries before joining in the throwing of colors. To ensure the care of the Seaport Museum collection and historic buildings, individuals covered in colorful pigment will not be able to come inside the Museum.
The Culture Tree provides South Asian themed educational and cultural programs that enrich the lives of children and their families and promotes a deeper connection with their roots and the world around them. We use language, art, puppet shows, dance, food and the holidays to provide an immersive experience. theculturetree.com
This year, the Seaport in partnership with The Culture Tree and the South Street Seaport Museum invites you to join the celebration of the traditional Indian festival of colors on Saturday, March 15, from 11:00am–2:00pm. Bring the kids, bring your friends, and join us for a colorful day, which will include interactive dance performances and workshops, literary festival, delicious tastings, art activity, a puppet story time, music and, of course, spirited fun with brightly colored powder. Visitors can also sample traditional Indian cuisine enjoyed during this annual holiday, purchase Holi’s signature colored powders and shop at the outdoor Indian market at Pier 16 featuring nearly a dozen Indian-owned businesses.
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.”
