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Cats…had them when I was younger. Norie, Blackie and a few whose names I don’t remember.
Today, I am more of a dog person, but when I read of the Katten Kabinet, I had visions of a museum with hundreds of cats roaming throughout the gallery. Always looking for something unique, it seemed like something worth checking out. I had some time to kill and it was in the area…
Paying the admission in the old patrician house where the museum is located, I looked around…no cats. I browsed through the gift shop. Lots of books and posters. No cats. Finally, I headed up the stairs. Still, no cats.
What I did find, however, is that the Katten Kabinet offers a look at the role of the cat in art and culture throughout the centuries, displaying hosts of art in the forms of posters, original paintings and sculptures paying homage to cats. The most interesting display, however, was a host of letters written to the museum and its cats from other cat lovers expressing their love of felines!
Founded in 1990, by William Meijer, a wealthy Dutchman, the museum pays homage to his feline companion, John Pierpont Morgan (1966-1983) and is housed in a structure that commands more attention than the collection displayed in it. Built in 1667, for William and Adrian Van Loon, the museum faces the historical Museum Van Loon, an identical floorplan, just across the canal. After a draw, which decided which of the brothers were to receive either of the homes, it was William who acquired the property at 497 Herengracht. Throughout its history, the house has hosted several famous people, such as the Mayor of Amsterdam, Jan Calkoen and former American president, John Adams. It has been rebuilt and redecorated several times, though most of its current state represents the 19th century.
After walking through a couple of the rooms in the museum, I finally did encounter two of the five cats that are reported to live on the premises. Stretched out on a window sill, a black and white feline stared impassively at the visitors wandering through its home. A short while later, another mostly white cat paced back and forth behind a glass-pane doorway, obviously hoping to be released from its confines by the owner who currently resides on the top floor.
So, should you visit?
Well, if you are in Amsterdam and looking to drop a few more euro than necessary…this is your museum.
If you are tired of visiting austere museums on art and history, of which there are several…this is your museum.
Cat lover? This is definitely your museum.
Anyone else? If you have the IAmsterdam card, are in the area and have nothing else to do for half an hour (and I am being generous with the time)…this is your museum. Otherwise, there are so many more places and sights that will fill your time more productively. Seek those out.
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Katten Kabinet
- http://www.kattenkabinet.nl/
- Address: Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 1000-1700, Saturday and Sunday, 1200-1700
- Admission: €7.00
- Getting There: Tram, from Central Station, lines 1, 2 and 5 stop at Koningsplein. Take a left onto Herengracht. The museum is about a three minute walk.