Canada’s First Cat Museum – Opening in Montréal in Autumn 2026
Le Miaousée is getting ready to open its doors! Located inside a beautiful historic presbytery at 215 Rue de Castelnau Est, Canada’s first cat museum will bring together cats, culture, and community through exhibitions, art, education, and community programming.
Explore the fascinating role of cats in history and culture, discover work by local artists, learn about feline welfare and behaviour, curl up with a book in our cozy reading nook, shop cat-themed creations from local artisans, and join us for workshops and special events.
We are planning to open in autumn 2026, with our official opening date and Grand Meowpening celebrations to be announced soon.
Opening Exhibition: The Cat Lady
Our first temporary exhibition explores the complicated figure of the “cat lady” – how she has been portrayed, judged, sexualized, mocked, and ultimately reclaimed.
Through history, art, and popular culture, The Cat Lady examines portraits and representations of women with cats, asks why women have historically “chosen” cats as companions, and explores what that choice has come to symbolize about independence, domesticity, and relationships.
The exhibition also looks at the other side of the feline metaphor: the long history of using cats to sexualize women, from terms like “sex kitten” and “catfight” to feline imagery in advertising, film, and popular culture.
Together, these themes reveal how the relationship between women and cats has often reflected broader ideas about gender, sexuality, independence, and women who refuse to conform.
You will also discover:
- The history of cats, including Montréal’s feline past
- Cat-themed artwork
- Cat rescue and animal welfare
- How to welcome and care for a cat
- An immersive memorial space honouring beloved cats
- A cozy reading nook filled with cat books
