IN the heart of Kuching, the city affectionately known as the 'Cat City,' lies a treasure trove dedicated to our feline friends: the Kuching Cat Museum. More than just a collection of cat paraphernalia, this museum delves into the history, culture, and art surrounding these enigmatic creatures, offering visitors a quirky and engaging journey.
ENTER THE MEOW-SEUM
Stepping into the Kuching Cat Museum, you're immediately enveloped in a world where cats reign supreme. With over 4,000 items on display, ranging from fine art to the more whimsically bizarre, like cat-themed advertisements and ancient feline figurines, the museum covers every conceivable angle of catdom.
A GLOBAL PURR-SPECTIVE
Cats have prowled through the annals of history and culture, and the museum lays this bare. Exhibits trace the cat's journey from the sacred temples of Egypt, where they were worshipped, to their portrayal in modern pop culture as icons of cool detachment. The museum does a spectacular job of showing how cats have been both feared for their mystique and loved for their companionship across various societies.
NOT JUST A GALLERY OF GATOS
What sets the Kuching Cat Museum apart is its commitment to education alongside entertainment. It's a place where the curious can uncover the secrets behind a cat's purr or the reason for their disdainful indifference. Through interactive displays, visitors learn not only about the cat's role in art and society but also about their biology and behaviour.
CELEBRITY CATS AND CURIOSITIES
Among the museum's collection are tributes to famous felines, from the storied Unsinkable Sam, a ship's cat who survived three shipwrecks during WWII, to the ever-reluctant celebrity Grumpy Cat. These stories add a layer of personal narrative to the museum's collection, celebrating individual cats whose stories have touched people globally.
TAKE A PIECE OF CAT CULTURE HOME
No museum visit would be complete without a trip to the gift shop, and the Kuching Cat Museum's store is a haven for cat aficionados. Here, visitors can find everything from elegant cat statuettes to playful t-shirts, ensuring that everyone can take a piece of cat culture back home.
WHY IT'S WORTH A VISIT
Located within the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), the museum offers free entry, making it an accessible stop for anyone exploring Kuching. It's a space where laughter and learning go hand-in-hand, and where the world's feline fascination is fully indulged.