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During our recent family trip to Europe, we discovered an unusual but charming art and oddity museum called KattenKabinet, or Cat Cabinet Amsterdam. This cat museum is tucked away amidst Amsterdam’s canalside houses and is frankly one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam. It was an easy walk from our Amsterdam rental apartment and fun for our whole family.

It is truly a whimsical paradise for feline aficionados like us. KattenKabinet is a perfect stop for your family of cat lovers. It takes about an hour to move through the entire small museum. In this blog post, I will share some photos I took and general information. Additionally, I have some fun facts about this unique Amsterdam museum.

When planning a visit, you should purchase tickets in advance. Because of capacity limitations, you may be unable to purchase them at the door. I recommend this cat museum as part of a larger day trip to see the beautiful sights of Amsterdam.

We included it after shopping for cheeses and eating Dutch waffles. Afterward, we dined for lunch at a beautiful nearby street-side cafe and then took a romantic evening boat tour of the canals. Somehow, we often end up encountering cats during our travels, like when we visit the Hemingway House Cats in Key West!

Houseboats in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This blog post shares fun things to do in Amsterdam.

The KattenKabinet Cat Museum

Situated on the historic Herengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals in the heart of the city, KattenKabinet is in the purr-fect location to be part of a walking trip around Amsterdam. The museum is located on the southwest side of the city center of Amsterdam. It is not far from the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s iconic floating flower market. It was a short and easy walk from our rental apartment in the Oud-West neighborhood.

The area around KattenKabinet is filled with life. It is brimming with gorgeous cafes, austere Dutch baroque facades, and quaint shops, and is close to many attractions. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the renowned Red Light District and 16 minutes from the Hermitage Museum. It is just 6 minutes from the Museum of the Canals.

One of the most surprising things to me was how stunning the museum’s interior is. Other than within your Amsterdam accommodations, visitors get few opportunities to see the inside of the historic homes. And Herengracht 497, where this Amsterdam cat museum is located, did not disappoint!

A piece of cat art at the cat museum in Amsterdam

De KattenKabinet Museum is situated in a magnificent 17th-century canal house near the iconic Rijksmuseum and the bustling Leidseplein square. Nestled among the city’s signature gabled rooftops and picturesque brick facades, KattenKabinet is one of those hidden gems that capture the vibrant eccentricity of Amsterdam. We just happened upon it when pursuing Google Maps while sitting at a charming canalside cafe near our Amsterdam apartment. And I have to admit that it was a highlight of our trip!

Booking.com

History of the KattenKabinet Cat Museum Amsterdam

The story behind KattenKabinet is as heartwarming as it is unusual. The museum was founded in 1990 by a Dutchman named Bob Meijer in memory of his beloved cat, John Pierpont Morgan. The latter was no ordinary feline. This remarkable tomcat, named after the renowned American financier, shared his owner’s life for nearly 20 years. He experienced the joys of fatherhood, siring five litters during that time.

A cat inside the Katten Kabinet Museum Amsterdam

Struck by the loss of his cherished pet, Meijer wanted to celebrate JP Morgan’s life in a special way. So, in 1990 he transformed this stately, five-story mansion into an extraordinary museum dedicated to all things cat-related. Today, KattenKabinet serves as a whimsical tribute to JP Morgan and the entire feline species.

Herengracht 497 | Amsterdam, Netherlands

The building housing the museum has a long and fascinating history. This grand structure and its neighboring building came to life in 1667. It was commissioned by the esteemed Van Loon brothers, Willem and Adriaen. The property was determined by a lucky draw, with Willem claiming the residence at number 497.

This house would later serve as a home for several notable figures, including Jan Calkoen, a former mayor of Amsterdam, and Engelbert François van Berckel, the Amsterdam Pensionary. Interestingly, John Adams, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the Dutch Republic, was among its esteemed visitors, having frequented Van Berckel’s residence.

In 1985 this historic building underwent a restoration process. Five years later, Bob Meijer, deeply moved by the passing of his red tomcat John Pierpont Morgan decided to establish a unique museum within its confines.

A blog post about visiting the amsterdam cat museum. This photo shows a man petting a cat inside this Amsterdam museum.

The state rooms of the museum have gorgeous ceiling paintings, each several hundred years old. Interestingly, during a 1980s renovation of the ballroom within the house, a massive ceiling painting was discovered hidden beneath the then-existing ceiling. The painting is of the Amsterdam City Virgin and dates from the 17th century. It was restored in 1998 and is visible above the room today.

The KattenKabinet also found its way onto the silver screen, serving as a filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster Ocean’s Twelve in 2004.

KattenKabinet’s Cat Art Collection

As you enter the museum, you’re immediately enveloped in a world where cats reign supreme. The museum has various rooms, each with an eclectic collection of art, artifacts, and memorabilia.

An image of the KattenKabinet in Amsterdam. This blog post shares the history of the museum.

The museum is located in a multi-story house. It has several main large rooms for the art collection and a small gift shop with t-shirts, books, and souvenirs. Also, an exterior backyard garden housing interesting cat-themed works of art. The lighting is dark, the mood is quiet, almost library-like, and you get the feeling you are in a place for quiet contemplation and reflection.

From ancient Egyptian cat statues and vintage cat-themed advertisements to contemporary cat-inspired artworks, KattenKabinet spans centuries of feline appreciation. Alongside the traditional exhibits, the museum also houses an intriguing selection of currency from around the world featuring cats, proving that these adorable pets have captured human fascination across cultures and eras.

This imageKattenkabinet review. This image is of a wall of photographs showing famous people with cats.

KattenKabinet boasts an impressive art collection, showcasing works from many artistic periods. It’s a treasure trove for art and cat lovers, displaying pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Rembrandt, Toulouse-Lautrec, Tsuguharu Foujita, and others. These were some of my favorites!

From Rembrandt’s etchings to Picasso’s lithograph, each piece celebrates the feline form in diverse and imaginative ways. The museum also features contemporary art, including a delightful room full of cartoonish cats by Dutch artist Théophile Steinlen. I’ve never seen cat sculptures before, but KattenKabinet has them everywhere, including a unique work by Hildo Krop (1884-1970), the Chief Sculptor of Amsterdam, called “Two Cats Making Love. I thought they were attacking each other!

Image of Picasso sketch of a cat at the Cat Cabinet museum in Amsterdam

In total, I counted 133 works of art from various mediums, including posters, sculptures, photographs, lithographs, playbills, paintings, drawings, and other items that defy categorization, including a cat pinball machine called “Lucky Cat.”

Real Cats are Living in the KattenKabinet Cat Museum

But wait, the experience continues beyond paintings and sculptures! KattenKabinet is home to five cats who freely roam the premises, adding a unique, heart-warming dimension to your visit.

A photo of the black cat at the Cat Cabinet Museum in Amsterdam Netherlands

These feline residents enliven the museum’s ambiance, curling up on antique furniture, perching atop display cabinets, or leisurely strolling around the art-laden rooms. They are friendly, curious, and happy to pose for a quick photo or enjoy a gentle pat from visitors, further enhancing the museum’s charm.

Please BE CAREFUL; some cats are moody and don’t always appreciate being petted. I read several online reviews of people being scratched, and the curators outright tell you not to pet the black cat. For us, they were gentle, with one of them walking over to Matt, curling up on a table, and playfully offering its belly to be scratched. Both Abby and Jake enjoyed interacting with different cats, too!

A photo of a boy crouched down, petting a cat.

Mom and Daughter taking a selfie by a mirrow.

Plan Your Visit to the KattenKabinet

Planning a stop at this unique cat museum is fairly straightforward. And while it is recommended that you purchase your KattenKabinet tickets online in advance, we did that the day prior. So, no need to plan weeks or months in advance like some other popular Amsterdam Museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.

Where is the KattenKabinet Amsterdam?

The KattenKabinet museum is located at Herengracht 497 | 1017 BT Amsterdam, in the heart of the canal district. You can walk there from most areas or take the city tram service.

Inside kattenkabinet museum amsterdam. A photo of a boy petting a cat near the stairs.

KattenKabinet Cat Museum Hours, Tickets, and Pricing

KATTENKABINET HOURS

The KattenKabinet is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily.

KATTENKABINET TICKETS & TOURS

Tickets should be purchased in advance via the KattenKabinet website or through Get Your Guide (refundable up until 24 hours prior). Because of capacity limitations, you may be unable to purchase them at the door. As of 2023, the entry fee is €10 for adults, €5 for students, and free for children under 12.

KattenKabinet also accepts the I Amsterdam City Card, which offers free entry to many of the city’s attractions.

The museum offers a special guided tour, “Cattour,” once weekly on Tuesdays at 11 AM before the museum opens to the public. We didn’t go on this tour. However, it looks like a fun way for your family or group to get an in-depth, private, and guided collection tour and learn more about the museum’s fascinating history.

cat cabinet amsterdam backyard garden. Large paintings of cats

Should You Visit the KattenKabinet?

I’d recommend the KattenKabinet Cat Museum Amsterdam to anyone touring the city. It’s a fun outing that’s engaging and educational for the entire family and a great way to satisfy your appetite for all things cat related.

Not convinced? Take a minute to browse the KattenKabinet TripAdvisor page to see if it’s a good fit for you. That is one of my favorite ways to research places while traveling.

photo inside kattencabinet Amsterdam. A cat laying on a table with a man petting it

What Else Should You Do In Amsterdam?

In addition to the KattenKabinet, there are many other museums to enjoy and countless food, district, and canal tours.

Here are some fantastic options for your next trip to Amsterdam! Certainly, a canal tour must be on your list. They offer a view of Amsterdam like no other. Make sure to revisit Our Little Lifestyle and follow us on social media as we share dozens of additional blog posts from our family vacation in Europe, including how we spent 4 days in Paris and a magical day trip to Bruges. Plus, wait until you see where we plan to travel next!

And MAKE SURE to read my post about the 10+ items that you need to bring with you on a trip to Europe!