The “CATS!” exhibition at MARKK Hamburg (Dec 5, 2025 – Nov 29, 2026) celebrates the mysterious, funny and powerful role of cats across cultures – from Egyptian goddesses to modern meme icons. I might just attend (if my trio Tito, Pierre, and Myratz allow it)! Expect global art, ancient artifacts, and a big dose of feline charisma.
Woohoo! I’ve been officially invited to the press conference and grand opening of the “CATS!” exhibition at the Museum am Rothenbaum (MARKK) in Hamburg!
Of course, the main theme is – what else? – cats! It’s a bit of a trip from our location, and there’s a tiny complication: someone would have to step in to feed, clean, and cuddle my famous trio Tito, Pierre, and Myratz for at least three whole days. (Applications for the highly prestigious “Official Cats Magazine Cat Sitter” position are now open! )
I haven’t decided yet whether I can go, but honestly, it’s hard to resist an exhibition entirely dedicated to feline glory. So for now, let me share what promises to be one of the most fascinating cat-themed cultural events in Europe!
CATS! at MARKK Hamburg – Where History Meets Whiskers
From December 5, 2025, to November 29, 2026, the Museum am Rothenbaum – Kulturen und Künste der Welt (MARKK) in Hamburg will be taken over by our feline overlords. The exhibition, simply titled CATS!, promises a breathtaking exploration of how these creatures have ruled our imagination, art, and myths for thousands of years.
As the official invitation puts it:
“From the revered Egyptian goddess Bastet to the companion of persecuted witches to today’s viral internet star – few animals embody such contradictions as the cat.”
And honestly, they nailed it. Cats are contradictions on four paws: sacred yet mischievous, cute yet commanding, independent yet clingy (Tito, I’m looking at you).
Repoussé gold sheet, MARKK collection (Inv. No. 27.118:1).
© MARKK, photo: Paul Schimweg
A Global Cat Journey Through Art and Time
CATS! draws on the museum’s global collections, weaving together historical artifacts and contemporary artworks that show just how universal our love (and fear) of cats has been. Expect:
- Ancient Egyptian Bastet statues – the original cat influencers.
- Japanese demon masks and maneki-neko lucky cats.
- Shamanic jaguar symbols from South America.
- Domestic cat memorabilia from European homes.
- And yes, even Hello Kitty makes an appearance (because what’s pop culture without her?).
Among the featured artists are Carolee Schneemann, Taewon Ahn, Melanie Cervantes, and Chéri Cherin, whose works blend reverence and rebellion – much like cats themselves.
MARKK Collection (Inv. No. 19.44:24), purchased from Hellmut Ritter in 1919.
© MARKK, photo: Paul Schimweg
Hamburg’s Cats Go Public
What I love most is that the exhibition isn’t just for cat lovers – it’s by cat lovers. The MARKK has invited Hamburg residents to submit their own “cat content” for inclusion. Imagine your cat’s photo hanging next to ancient Egyptian art. (If Tito ever knew this was possible, he’d demand his own curator.)
Alongside the displays, the museum is offering educational programs, events, and a beautifully designed publication that dives deep into the cultural and historical significance of cats – with humor and insight, of course.
Opening Event: December 4, 2025
The grand opening takes place on December 4, 2025, starting The grand opening will take place on December 4, with a press conference at 9:30 a.m. and the official ceremony at 7 p.m. The exhibition then runs for nearly a full year – plenty of time for cat lovers across Europe to visit.
More info: MARKK Hamburg Official Exhibition Page
Silk and paper, MARKK Collection (Inv. No. 2008.8:2a), gift, 2008.
© NRICH / MARKK
Why It Matters (and Why I Might Just Go)
An exhibition dedicated entirely to cats through art, history, and mythology? That’s basically a pilgrimage for me.
Still, there’s the small issue of logistics: three cats, one house, and a suspiciously low number of trusted cat-sitters.
But the thought of seeing these feline treasures – golden pendants from Peru, Japanese tiger-head baby shoes, and a stunning bronze Bastet – makes me very tempted.
Cats as Cultural Mirrors
What I adore about CATS! is that it’s not just about cats; it’s about us.
Across centuries, they’ve reflected human hopes, fears, and aesthetics – worshipped as gods, vilified as demons, and now adored as meme celebrities.
It’s the ultimate proof that cats haven’t changed much at all. They’ve simply adapted to every civilization’s camera.
Gilded and painted cartonnage. Egyptian Museum Bonn (Inv. No. BoSAe 3156 b).
© Egyptian Museum Bonn, photo: Mick Vinzenz
Visit Information
Dates: December 5, 2025 – November 29, 2026
Location: Museum am Rothenbaum – Kulturen und Künste der Welt (MARKK), Rothenbaumchaussee 64, 20148 Hamburg
Website: www.markk-hamburg.de/en
Three Cats, One Museum, and a Tough Decision
Will I go? Maybe. My heart says yes – after all, an exhibition tracing the story of cats from goddess to meme feels like destiny calling. But my home reality involves three furry supervisors with very different management styles: Tito the door-opening mastermind, Pierre the dignified allergen-sensitive philosopher, and Myratz, the silent ruler of comfort and disapproval.
A three-day trip to Hamburg might sound short, but in their world, that’s a lifetime of missed snacks, unsupervised printers, and existential meows echoing through the apartment. (They’d probably form a union before I got back.)
Still, the idea of walking through a museum where Bastet statues, Japanese demon masks, and Hello Kitty lamps coexist is wildly tempting. It’s like stepping into the collective dream of cat lovers everywhere – and honestly, how could I resist seeing humanity’s entire relationship with cats displayed under one roof?
So yes, I’m tempted. Deeply tempted. But until I decide, I’ll keep imagining Tito taking notes on how ancient Egyptians worshipped cats and planning how to make that happen at home. Because no matter where I go or how far I travel, one thing remains certain – cats always have the final word.
Stay tuned – I’ll be interviewing the curators of the CATS! exhibition soon to uncover how they brought 5,000 years of feline fascination together under one roof.
