Canada’s first cat museum is launching next month with a pop-up exhibition in Montreal, with a permanent space planned for 2026.
Le Miaousée was founded by cat lover and cultural entrepreneur Aqeela Nahani, and aims to celebrate the role of cats in society, while supporting cat rescue charities.
Through its pop-up events across Montreal, Le Miaousée brings together cat lovers, artists, historians and rescue organisations to share stories, art and experiences.
Next month, the museum is hosting a pop-up exhibition called Miaoutréal: The History of Montreal’s Cats, running from 12 – 28 September.
The show explores Montreal’s long-standing bond with cats, and guests will view two rooms of history, art and rescue stories.
Additionally, there will be cat-themed activities, a special fundraising market held by cat rescue charity Réseau Secours Animal, and a gift shop selling cat-inspired treasures.
Le Miaousée plans permanent space
The pop-up exhibition is a preview of what’s to come at the permanent museum.
“We’re laying the foundation for a permanent cat museum in 2026, which will include permanent and rotating exhibits, a cat lounge for adoptable rescue cats and a boutique filled with cat-themed products,” Nahani told the Art Newspaper.
She added, “Le Miaousée will bring together a rich mix of cat-related fields (art, science, popular culture, animal welfare and history), creating a space as diverse and dynamic as cats themselves.”
To support the project, the Miaoutréal pop-up exhibition will be accompanied by a fundraising campaign on the Québecois crowdfunding platform, La Ruche.
Nahani told the publication: “We also plan to pursue grants and corporate sponsorships, using the exhibit’s success as proof of the museum’s relevance and importance to Montreal.”
Cat museums can be found across the world, including the DBKU Cat Museum in Malaysia, KattenKabinet in Amsterdam, the Moscow Cat Museum in Russia, the Cats Museum in Montenegro, and the Feline Historical Museum in Ohio.
Images courtesy of Le Miaousée
