CANADA’S FIRST CAT MUSEUM COMING TO MONTREAL: POP-UP EXHIBIT LAUNCHES NEXT MONTH
Source: Time Out (Extract)
Posted: August 20, 2025
Cat lovers, unite!
On the heels of the city’s neighbourhood cat tours, Montreal will officially be home to Canada’s first cat museum: Le Miaousée.
Le Miaousée celebrates the unique role of cats in society, promoting compassion, education, and community-driven action to improve feline welfare.
Through pop-up events across Montreal, the organization brings together cat lovers, artists, historians, and rescue groups to share stories, art, and experiences that deepen the human-cat bond.
A permanent museum is planned for 2026, featuring interactive exhibits on feline history, culture, and care.
Founded by friends Aqeela Nahani and Lynn van der Valk—who met at work five years ago and quickly bonded over a shared love of cats (and a good internet meme!)—Le Miaousée was born from a passion to create a space dedicated to feline culture and community.
The future space will include:
- A cozy lounge with five (or more!) adoptable rescue cats
- A flexible venue for talks, workshops, and community events
- A curated boutique featuring locally made, cat-themed art, gifts, and products that support the organization’s mission
So when does Le Miaousée open?
From September 12 to 28, Le Miaousée invites the public to Miaoutréal: The History of Montreal’s Cats, a pop-up exhibit at 215 Rue de Castelnau Est, just steps from Jarry Park and Jean Talon Market.
Visitors can explore two immersive rooms filled with art, history, and rescue stories—designed to capture the spirit of Montreal’s iconic back alleys.
Highlights include:
- Family-friendly activities
- A weekend market hosted by Réseau Secours Animal
- A boutique with locally crafted cat-themed treasures
It’s a purr-fect sneak peek of what’s to come when Le Miaousée opens its permanent home in 2026.
Where is the Le Miaousée pop-up?
The exhibition runs September 12–28 at 215 Rue de Castelnau East, and the venue for the permanent museum (opening in 2026) is yet to be revealed.
For more information about Le Miaousée, click here.