The Shanghai Museum’s Meowseum Nights event, where visitors could bring their cats to the On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt exhibition, was a massive success, drawing hundreds of curious felines alongside their owners. The ten-night series, which ended this fall, sold out every ticket—200 for cats and 2,000 for humans—quickly.
The event paid homage to the ancient Egyptians’ reverence for cats, showcasing numerous artifacts featuring feline imagery, such as statues and paintings, symbols of divinity in ancient Egypt. The exhibition features numerous examples of ancient cat imagery, including statues, paintings, and other artifacts, offering a fitting tribute to the role felines played in Egyptian culture.
To ensure a smooth experience for both cats and visitors, the museum took extra precautions, making sure the space was cat-proof. Cats were required to stay in strollers or bags, and most artifacts were safely displayed behind protective glass. The event highlighted the deep connection between cats and Egyptian civilization, offering a purrfect blend of history and pet love.
To ensure the safety of both cats and ancient relics, the museum went the extra mile, with a veterinarian, doctor, and animal welfare representatives present. Staff members from the Shanghai Small Animal Protection Base were on standby with nets and gloves to handle any escape attempts. While no cats were lost, about five or six managed to get loose each night. Despite this, museum director Chu Xiaobo emphasized that the extra effort was well worth it, as the event provided an unforgettable experience for visitors and their beloved pets.
