China’s Shanghai Museum is not kitten around about Ancient Egypt.
The public museum situated at the People’s Square announced last week that visitors will be allowed to bring their cats to a special series of events commemorating its forthcoming Egyptian antiquities exhibition, according to multiple reports from state-controlled news outlets.
Opening on July 18, the 13-month exhibition On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt will reportedly be one of the largest displays of Ancient Egyptian art in China, with more than 780 cultural artifacts spanning various periods of the once-great empire. Museum officials have told local reporters that the exhibition will be the first time a vast majority of the featured antiquities are displayed in Asia.
To mark the momentous occasion, the Shanghai Museum has organized feline-friendly programming for 10 Saturday evenings beginning July 27 as an homage to the Ancient Egyptians’ well-documented affinity for their four-legged friends. While there is abundant archaeological evidence that they were fond of keeping domesticated dogs as pets and even had private zoos, cats occupied a special place in the hearts of the ancient society, which regarded them as “demi-deities.” Notably, Bastet, the goddess of protection, pleasure, and good health, was represented with the head of a cat.
The institution plans to limit attendance for the evening sessions to 2,000 people and 200 cats. The exhibition will also include a “Cat Temple” where participants will have the opportunity to take photos with their furry companions, in addition to other exclusive activities.
To avoid any catastrophes, museum officials have said that there will also be licensed cat veterinarians, medical services, and feline-accommodating devices like mood stabilizers and strollers on site. And of course, after each event, the entire building will be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized.
Hyperallergic has reached out to the Shanghai Museum for additional information.
