Exhibitions
MOCA Pop Up
Mahjong West Media Pop-Up Exhibition at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) took place on February 12, 2025, at 215 Centre Street in New York. Running from 11am to 9pm, the event drew an incredible crowd despite a flurry of snow, limited parking, and a midweek date. By nightfall, the one-day exhibition was sold out—a true testament to the enthusiasm for mahjong.
Visitors explored the rich history of the game through over 100-year-old hand-carved sets, each carefully labeled with its origin story. A standout centerpiece was the interactive suitcase installation featuring framed portraits from the upcoming book Tiles That Unite: Portraits of Mahjong Players Across the U.S. Guests were invited to lift out portraits to read players’ stories—an intimate and tactile experience that connected them to the people behind the tiles.
Those same players sat at exhibition tables, bringing their stories to life through live play across American, Chinese, and Hong Kong styles. Crowds circled the tables, watching the rhythm of the game unfold.
Interactive stations kept the experience dynamic and inclusive. Mahjong-themed coloring pages by New York artists Peach Tao, Karen Aruba, and Yuchen Lu added playful engagement, while curated displays by historian Annelise Heinz provided a deeper dive into the game’s cultural history. A video of Chinese master craftsman Ricky Cheung hand-carving tiles gave a rare look into the traditional craftwork behind mahjong.
As evening arrived, the space transformed into a lively Lunar New Year celebration, honoring the Year of the Snake. Guests enjoyed expert instruction from Sokie Lee (Chinese mahjong) and Beverly Hershkovitz (American mah jongg), while award-winning DJ Po Cheng Yeh filled the gallery with music that blended tradition and modern beats.
From live games and personal storytelling to hands-on learning and celebration, the MOCA exhibition captured everything Mahjong West Media stands for—art, history, and the connections that bring people together, one tile at a time.
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Mahjong West Media curates experiences that spark discovery, foster connection, and honor the game’s evolving story—both in traditional and unexpected ways.