Cats Museum Kft - FREE ENTRY

"The Cats Museum (Kiscica Múzeum) in Budapest is a unique and free cultural institution dedicated to promoting love and respect for animals, particularly cats, while exploring their historical and cultural significance across various civilizations. Located in the historic center of Budapest, near Deák Ferenc tér and the Great Synagogue, and just a short walk from the Hotel Astoria, the museum offers an intriguing and diverse collection of cat-related artifacts. The museum’s exhibition spans two floors, showcasing works from different time periods that highlight the relationship between humans and cats. The collection includes antique books, coins, medals, paintings, engravings, manuscripts, vintage advertisements, postcards, musical scores, and even board games. Many items come from the Badoer collection in Venice, which is dedicated to the adoption of cats, along with private donations and targeted acquisitions. Among the notable items on display are: - *"Girl Feeding a Cat"*, a painting by Francesco Piattoli (1703–1773). - A series of six engravings by Daniel Meisner (1585–1625), depicting cities like Bergen, Ostend, and Iula (Alba Julia, Transylvania). - *"The Death of the Cat Mur"*, a lithograph by King Fernando II of Portugal (1816–1885). - A poem printed in 1777 about the cat of Count Josef Wilzeck, ambassador of Maria Theresa in Naples. - Engravings by Gottfried Mind (1768–1814), known as the "Raffaello of the Cats." Popular sections in the museum include themes like black cats, witches, cats during World War I, philately, greeting cards, and the first international feline exhibitions. Visitors can also explore a small showroom at the end of the exhibition, where a variety of exclusive souvenirs are available, such as tea towels, books, notebooks, and over 200 types of cat-themed magnets. Despite being the newest museum in Budapest, it has already gained recognition among tourists and is often included in thematic tours for families and small groups. It is important to note that the museum is not a cat cafe or therapy center, but rather a dedicated space for cat history and culture. The museum’s commitment to animal welfare is reflected in its free admission, which makes it accessible to all visitors. It is open year-round, typically in the afternoons, and provides a delightful and educational experience for those interested in the cultural role of cats."