Lucky Cat Museum by Appointment — Attraction in Cincinnati

Absolutely wonderful! This museum was so unique and totally exceeded my expectations. Not being super familiar with the lucky cats, I worried it may be overly kitschy, cheap, or repetitive, but the collection ran the gamut from brand tie-ins and children's toys to art pieces and custom-made cats. I was also surprised by how organized it was - rather than a giant personal collection thrown into whatever cases might work (as I may have suspected going in), the museum is laid out in a very thoughtful way with each display highlighting different types, eras, materials, or origins of the cats. It was surprisingly informative too, with meticulous labels that highlight the artists and what makes nearly every piece unique. I learned a lot about the maneki neko that I didn't know before.

By far the highlight was the owner! She did a great job of engaging with each visitor while we were there without being intrusive or pushy. I appreciated the way she tailored her conversation to each demographic of visitor - she talked about her personal cats (two of which were at the museum!) and showed off works by children's artists for the young kids who were there, but when my group of late twenties men walked in she talked to us about Junji Ito. She was so passionate and knowledgeable about each piece on display. The museum was a great value (free!) and we loved being able to support them a little at the super reasonably priced and cute gift area afterward.

Despite being, really, a single room, the whole museum is filled wall to wall with cute and interesting art and curated with knowledge and love (we spent over an hour and could have stayed longer). Overall a really great surprise and a must-visit for anyone who loves cats or just appreciates off-the-wall...

As a Cincinnati resident, I was thrilled to finally have the chance to visit the Lucky Cat Museum on my recent visit to the ArtWalks event at Essex Studios. Being that the museum does not advertise much, I was grateful to have learned about it through a friend's recommendation. Despite its small size, the museum truly packs a punch with an impressive collection that is sure to captivate visitors. From the moment I walked in, I was in awe of the array of lucky cat figurines, paintings, and other works of art that filled the space. Each item is a testament to the owner's passion and devotion to this fascinating aspect of Asian culture. As I made my way through the museum, I found myself continuously discovering new and unique pieces. I was pleasantly surprised to find a gift shop on my way out, offering a selection of affordable souvenirs that would make great gifts for family and friends. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with my visit to the Lucky Cat Museum and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to immerse themselves in a fascinating cultural experience. Don't forget to bring some cash as donations are accepted and greatly...

Visiting the Lucky Cat Museum by Appointment was one of the most unusual and memorable events on my recent trip. From the very first minutes, you feel immersed in a completely different world – a world where the cult of luck, prosperity and, of course, charming alluring seals reign. The museum itself, although small, is carefully thought out and decorated with love of detail. Every corner is imbued with an aura of oriental mysticism and positive energy. The maneki-neko collection impresses with its diversity: cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and materials are presented here – from antique specimens to modern design works. The guide (who, by the way, is incredibly passionate about his business) is happy to share interesting facts about the history, symbolism and cultural significance of these magical seals. I especially liked the interactive part of the exhibition, where you can try your hand at creating your own mannequin, learn about various signs and rituals related to attracting good luck. And at the end of the tour, of course, we couldn't resist buying a charming souvenir – a little cat, which, I hope, will bring good luck...