Last Updated on 27 March 2026 by Vanessa
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and love cats, the Amsterdam Cat Museum, KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet), is a must-visit.
Set in a stunning canal-side mansion on Amsterdam’s iconic Herengracht, KattenKabinet is a treasure trove of art, sculptures, and memorabilia dedicated to our favorite four-legged companions.
Best of all, the museum is home to several real cats!
From tickets and opening hours to history and insider tips on the best time to go, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your visit.
📍 Related: 12 must-see attractions in Amsterdam that cat lovers simply can’t miss.
Amsterdam cat museum, KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet): a complete visitor guide (history, opening hours, price, and tips)
A short history of the Amsterdam cat museum
The story of KattenKabinet begins with a man and his cat.
Bob Meijer, the museum’s founder, created KattenKabinet in 1990 as a tribute to his beloved cat, John Pierpont Morgan (named after the famous financier). J.P. Morgan wasn’t just any cat; he was Meijer’s loyal companion and muse. After his cat’s passing, Meijer decided to honor his memory by combining his love for art and cats.
What started as a personal homage quickly evolved into a cultural treasure trove. Today, the Amsterdam cat museum showcases an extensive collection of artworks, sculptures, and memorabilia celebrating our feline friends. It’s a space that pays tribute not only to one special cat but to all felines throughout history.
What to expect from the Amsterdam cat museum
The museum is housed in a stunning 17th-century canal house, which is a masterpiece in its own right.
The patrician brothers Willem and Adriaen van Loon built the house and the adjacent building in 1667. Over the years, several notable figures, such as Amsterdam’s mayor Jan Calkoen and pensionary Engelbert François van Berckel, called the house home.
In 1985, restoration work revived the building. Yet, it has retained much of its original 17th-century charm, with ornate ceilings, antique furniture, and a cozy, old-world ambiance that feels worlds away from the bustle of modern Amsterdam.
Scenes from the 2001 film Ocean’s Twelve were filmed in KattenKabinet’s canal house. In the movie, the house serves as the home of agoraphobic antique dealer Van der Woude.
However, what makes this space truly special is its eclectic mix of art and cats.
Art with a feline twist
KattenKabinet is a treasure trove of cat-inspired art, showcasing humanity’s enduring fascination with felines.
The collection features a wide range of mediums, from classic paintings to modern prints, including playful cat movie posters and vintage feline-themed advertisements. Sculptures and other unique pieces add even more variety to the exhibits.
Highlights include works by legendary artists like Rembrandt, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Corneille, and Steinlen.
Meet the resident cats
Yes, KattenKabinet is also home to real cats. These friendly felines are as much a part of the museum as the art itself. They roam freely through the museum and in the gardens, but you’ll most often find them lounging near the ticket booth at the entrance.
Their presence definitely brings a charming touch that you won’t find in most traditional museums.
Tip: If you are interested in discovering more museums with resident cats, we suggest you check out the following as well:
- Folk Museum of Bruges (Belgium)
- Chopin Museum in Valldemossa (Mallorca)
- Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West (Florida)
Shop at the Amsterdam cat museum
Don’t leave the Amsterdam cat museum without stopping by its adorable gift shop! Located right by the ticket booth, this cozy shop is packed with cat-themed treasures you’ll want to take home.
From books like Cats Who Changed the World (a gift my boyfriend surprised me with) to quirky postcards, there’s something for every cat lover.
You’ll also find unique items such as cat-themed tarot cards, calendars, art prints, vintage advertisement posters, t-shirts, and more. Fan of feline fiction? Pick up The Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa or explore art books celebrating cats in culture.
You might even spot movie posters, like the one for Disney’s The Cat From Outer Space. With so many irresistible finds, it’s nearly impossible to leave empty-handed!
Plan your visit: practical tips and information
Ready to explore the Amsterdam cat museum, KattenKabinet? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip:
Location and accessibility
Address: KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet), Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Walking from Amsterdam Centraal Station to the KattenKabinet takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, covering a distance of about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). For a quicker journey, consider taking tram lines 1, 2, or 5 from the station to the Koningsplein stop; from there, it’s a short 3-minute walk to the museum.
The museum’s central location makes it easy to combine with other nearby attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House.
📍 Tip: Amsterdam’s floating cat shelter Poezenboot (Cat Boat), is also located at a short walking distance from KattenKabinet. This is another must-vist on your Amsterdam itinerary, especially if you’re into cats.
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed.
- Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
- Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
- Friday: 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Cat museum Amsterdam tickets
General admission to KattenKabinet is €12.50. You can reserve your tickets in advance online (the price is the same as purchasing them at the ticket booth).
The cat museum is also included in your I Amsterdam City Card. I highly recommend you order one because it gives you access to over 70 attractions in Amsterdam, all with skip-the-line entry options.
Time needed
It’s small enough that a typical visit lasts 30–60 minutes. I stayed a little longer, even though it was already my second time visiting the Amsterdam cat museum.
Guided tours
Want a deeper experience? The museum offers small guided tours (also in English) that start every Tuesday at 11:00 am.
The tour is designed for small groups and can occasionally be arranged on other days by contacting the museum in advance.
Where to stay
During our latest visit to Amsterdam, my partner and I stayed at Hotel Mosaic, a cozy spot just a 20-minute walk from the city center. We were very pleased with our stay and appreciated its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re a cat lover, you might want to consider Hotel Estherea and Hotel Old Quarter, both of which have resident cats.
- Hotel Estherea is located along the Singel canal and has two resident cats that occasionally wander around the lobby.
- Hotel Old Quarter, situated near the train station in the heart of Amsterdam, is ruled by Mickey the cat. You can often find him in the hotel’s super cozy pub.
Additional tips for visitors
Don’t miss the museum garden—some of the cutest and most charming artwork is displayed here!
The best times to visit are weekday mornings, as they tend to be quieter, giving you more time to enjoy the exhibits without crowds. Plus, the resident cats are more likely to come out and show themselves when there are fewer people around!
While the resident cats are friendly and used to the crowds, remember to approach them gently and respect their boundaries.
Is the Amsterdam cat museum, KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet), worth visiting?
Absolutely. KattenKabinet is more than just a museum; it’s a celebration of everything that makes cats special.
However, you do not need to be a cat lover to enjoy it. You can just visit for the museum’s quirky nature or to admire the stunning 17th-century building.
In recent years, the Amsterdam cat museum has gone viral on platforms like Instagram, earning its place as one of the city’s most beloved attractions. Who knows? You might even leave with a new appreciation for our feline friends!
So, the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Amsterdam, make your way to the KattenKabinet. It’s an experience that’s sure to leave you grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Have you ever visited the Amsterdam cat museum, KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet)? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below!
If you’re looking for even more cat-centric fun in Amsterdam, don’t miss Kattencafé Kopjes, the city’s famous cat café.
For the ultimate feline adventure, check out 12 must-see attractions for cat lovers in Amsterdam and this comprehensive list of all the cat cafés in the Netherlands!
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2 responses
I’ve still not been to a cat cafe, but my husband stumbled across one in Turkey and said I’d love it.
Thanks for linking up with #pocolo
I have one thing to say. Marvelous.
Thank you.
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