The Metropolitan Cats Documentary

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, through postings and other online activities, constantly offers the public a glimpse into the richness of its collections and archive. In the museum series “From the Vaults” we found this little gem, a 1983 documentary about Met’s cats. The Metropolitan Cats Documentary

In the 20-minute video, “Metropolitan Cats, 1983 — A History of Cats at The Met,” museum curators visit and comment on the museum’s work depicting cats. From ancient China to Broadway musicals, artists have never ceased to be interested in and inspired by beautiful animals. “All cats are beautiful. “Even ugly cats are beautiful,” says one of the curators.

The documentary features work by Renoir, Goya, and Oide Tōkō, among others.