China’s Shanghai Museum will not be kitten round about Ancient Egypt.
The public museum located on the People’s Square introduced final week that guests will likely be allowed to carry their cats to a particular sequence of occasions commemorating its forthcoming Egyptian antiquities exhibition, in response to a number of 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 many largest shows of Ancient Egyptian artwork in China, with greater than 780 cultural artifacts spanning varied durations of the once-great empire. Museum officers have informed native reporters that the exhibition would be the first time a overwhelming majority of the featured antiquities are displayed in Asia.
To mark the momentous event, the Shanghai Museum has organized feline-friendly programming for 10 Saturday evenings starting July 27 as an homage to the Ancient Egyptians’ well-documented affinity for their four-legged friends. While there may be ample archaeological proof that they have been keen on keeping domesticated dogs as pets and even had private zoos, cats occupied a particular place within the hearts of the traditional society, which regarded them as “demi-deities.” Notably, Bastet, the goddess of safety, pleasure, and good well being, was represented with the pinnacle of a cat.
The establishment plans to limit attendance for the evening sessions to 2,000 people and 200 cats. The exhibition may also embrace a “Cat Temple” the place contributors can have the chance to take pictures with their furry companions, along with different unique actions.
To keep away from any catastrophes, museum officers have mentioned that there may also be licensed cat veterinarians, medical providers, and feline-accommodating gadgets like temper stabilizers and strollers on web site. And in fact, after every occasion, the whole constructing will likely be completely cleaned and deodorized.
Hyperallergic has reached out to the Shanghai Museum for further info.
