Museum Launch Progress

Big news! We have a museum charter from the New York State Department of Education!​

We’re thrilled to share that the Cat Museum of New York City was granted an official provisional museum charter by the New York State Board of Regents on October 7, 2025.

This milestone formally recognizes our mission to educate the public about cat care and cat rescue, primarily through cat art, exhibits, and community events—and marks an exciting next chapter as we grow into New York City’s first museum dedicated entirely to our feline friends.

A peek behind the curtain: In order to obtain our museum charter, the CMNYC board has been carefully working on our charter paperwork for a year (not including two additional years of research, community outreach, and overcoming of bureaucratic hurdles before we could even start our application), and so we are thrilled that we are finally officially recognized as a museum by New York State—all so we can give back to the cat-loving community.

Stay tuned as we continue to hold cat-themed pop-up events to educate and entertain the public and raise money toward building a permanent museum that welcomes cat-lovers, rescuers/volunteers/veterinary professionals, and art enthusiasts alike. We will also apply for federal nonprofit status so we can fulfill our educational mission and support the work of cat rescuers, shelters, and others whose work helps cats. 

How to Stay Involved in the Cat Museum of New York City

• Make sure you and your cat-loving friends are signed up for this newsletter to find out about our next pop-up event and our progress toward becoming a nonprofit and finding a purrmanent location. Sign Up Here!

• We also have need for volunteers in a variety of capacities. Learn more about volunteering here.

• And lastly, you can make a difference by making a donation. Donate here and help us launch.

Thank you for your support in the earliest days of the Cat Museum of New York City. We appreciate you!

—Jenny Pierson, Founding Executive Director of the Cat Museum of New York City,
and the CMNYC board