KattenKabinet
Art museum devoted to the cat in a patrician house on the Golden Bend of the Herengracht – with works from Picasso to Steinlen.
About the museum
The KattenKabinet was founded in 1990 by collector Bob Meijer in memory of his ginger tomcat John Pierpont Morgan (1966–1983). Named after the American banker, the cat received art as gifts on milestone birthdays, including a portrait, a bronze figure modeled for him and a special edition of dollar bills bearing his likeness; some of these pieces can be seen in a room of their own.
The museum is housed in a canal house at Herengracht 497 in the Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend). The house was built in 1667 together with the house next door for the brothers Willem and Adriaen van Loon; later residents included mayor Jan Calkoen and Grand Pensionary Engelbert François van Berckel, who was visited here by future US President John Adams. The building was restored in 1985.
The collection shows the role the cat has played in art and culture over the centuries: paintings, drawings, prints, posters, photographs and sculptures, including works by Rembrandt, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Théophile Steinlen, Corneille and Sal Meijer, as well as ancient Egyptian objects. Adding to the house's special charm are the live cats that roam freely through the historic rooms. The museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015; it is run by the Stichting het Kattenkabinet.
Highlights
- Cat motifs by Rembrandt, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and Steinlen
- Patrician house from 1667 on the Gouden Bocht of the Herengracht
- Room for the tomcat J. P. Morgan with his birthday presents
- Ancient Egyptian objects such as a figure of Bastet
- Live museum cats in the historic rooms
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Stichting het Kattenkabinet
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.50Seniors 65 and over, college students and schoolchildren |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Under 12 free. |
| Seniors | €7.50Ages 65 and over. |
| Students & apprentices | €7.50College students and schoolchildren. |
| With I amsterdam City Card | €9.50Show the card at the ticket desk |
| “Guided Cat Tour” (Tue 11:00) | €25Per person, 2–8 people, English only |
Prices according to the online ticket shop. The museum provides no information on the Museumkaart.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
Children under 12 are admitted free; no dedicated children's programs are listed.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
Online shop with posters, postcards, books and T-shirts.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | “Guided Cat Tour” for 2 to 8 people on Tuesdays at 11:00, before the museum opens, through the empty house, English only; other days on request by email (het.kattenkabinet@gmail.com). Virtual tour on the website. |
