The Lucky Cat Museum is a paradise for lovers of furry creatures (16 photos + 1 video)

This collection of Japanese good luck idols beckons visitors with over 2,000 waving paws.





The Happy Cat Museum in Cincinnati is a unique and cozy place dedicated to all things cat. More than just a museum, it's a cat-lover's paradise, filled with stories, art, and interactive exhibits dedicated to kitties.



The cute cats that beckon customers into Asian restaurants and other establishments are better known as the Japanese maneki-neko symbol, which is more than 100 years old. The Lucky Cat Museum in Cincinnati displays thousands (and that's not a figure of speech, it's real) iterations of the feline symbol.





Beckoning cats are believed to bring not only good luck in general, but also monetary luck and the ability to attract people (customers). The standard beckoning cat sits upright with one paw raised, often mechanically waving it back and forth. However, over the years, maneki-neko have been decorated with iconic accessories and other elements meant to highlight various specific aspects of the mythical beast's power, such as elongated waving paws to attract more people, or coins to focus on wealth accumulation.



Countless variations on the traditional themes have been created, usually in ceramic or plastic, but the spirit of the maneki-neko remains the same.



The Lucky Cat Museum in Ohio collects all the variations of the symbol in a small art space. The walls and glass cases are lined with rows of lucky cats. Some have extra paws, others are waving. In addition to ceramic and plastic cats, there are also wooden, stone and metal versions. Plush cats, toys, cats designed by modern artists - basically, any version of happy kittens.



Currently, the collection has more than 2,000 items, but it is constantly expanding. Considering how many smiling cats fit in the space, a visit to the museum can be the happiest day of a tourist's life.



Interesting facts about the museum:

The museum cooperates with local animal shelters and holds fundraising events to help homeless cats.

The museum regularly hosts thematic exhibitions dedicated to specific breeds or famous cats from the Internet.

One of the most popular areas is the positive room, where thousands of photos of happy cats are collected, which will cheer up every visitor.





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