Museums #6 in Kuching

DBKU Cat Museum

4.1 · 3,121 reviews
Whimsical and civic-focused.
DBKU Cat Museum, Bangunan DBKU, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Interesting facts
1

The museum is situated inside the North City Hall headquarters building, a unique civic integration.

2

The location on Bukit Siol offers a panoramic vantage point over Kuching city and the Sarawak River.

3

The collection includes a rare mummified cat from ancient Egypt.

4

Exhibits feature the portrayal of cats in diverse media, including vintage posters and stamps from various countries.

5

The museum documents the etymology of the name 'Kuching', which is often linked to the Malay word for cat ('kucing').

Overview

The DBKU Cat Museum in Kuching, Sarawak, is the world's first museum dedicated entirely to the history, biology, and pop culture significance of cats. It is housed within the North City Hall (DBKU) headquarters building in Petra Jaya. The collection features over 2,000 cat-related artifacts, including feline-themed sculptures, advertisements, and historical memorabilia. The facility is situated on top of Bukit Siol, providing elevated views of the city. Exhibits are categorized into various galleries, covering topics from feline evolution to the portrayal of cats in ancient Egyptian art. The building also contains a small library and gift shop focused on feline literature and souvenirs.

Photo spot

The oversized, iconic cat statue located near the entrance of the building.

Insider tips

Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the panoramic view of the city from the hilltop.

Dedicate time to explore the exterior grounds of the building, as they offer unique perspectives of the architecture.

Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, as the venue is a popular local school excursion destination.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk up the hill to the museum, as it is situated on a high-traffic road with no pedestrian pathways.

Good to know

None.

Etiquette

Modest casual attire is expected as the museum is located within an active government office building.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Late morning on a weekday to enjoy better visibility from the hilltop and fewer crowds.
Address
DBKU Cat Museum, Bangunan DBKU, Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
1.586, 110.334
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsAncient Egyptian cat mummy, feline-themed global pop culture artifacts, and local cultural history displays.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late morning on a weekday to enjoy better visibility from the hilltop and fewer crowds..

The oversized, iconic cat statue located near the entrance of the building.

Close by you'll find Sarawak State Mosque, Kuching Waterfront, Kuching City Mosque.

Malaysia

About Kuching