Kotovasia

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Museum‑Gallery Kotovasia, located in Minsk, Belarus, offers visitors a charming and immersive journey into the world of cats. Situated at Prospect Dzerzhinsky 131, approximately five hundred metres from the Malinovka metro station, this extraordinary institution invites guests of all ages to explore a vast and whimsical collection of feline‑themed art and everyday objects. With its warm and positive atmosphere, Kotovasia provides a unique experience for cat lovers and families seeking an unforgettable cultural outing.

About the Museum

Kotovasia is a private art gallery and museum that exhibits over seven thousand cat‑themed items. These items range from decorative art and utilitarian home objects to sculptures and jewellery, collected from more than one hundred and six countries around the world. The founder and director, Vasiliy Suprunyuk, began collecting cat‑related artefacts more than twenty years ago and ultimately transformed this personal passion into a public gallery that supports animal welfare.

The gallery occupies around two hundred to two hundred and thirty square metres arranged over multiple exhibition halls. The layout is thoughtfully organised: themed displays group items such as chess sets, Christmas cats, mystical cat imagery, and cat musicians into distinct immersive sections. A visitor can see everything from porcelain figurines and silver trinkets to vintage clocks, tea sets, fragrances, and even urns shaped like cats.

Guests are encouraged to take photographs and video recordings, with no additional fees. A complimentary three‑minute overview tour is available for each visitor to help familiarise with the space before exploring the full collection.

In addition to the exhibits, Kotovasia is home to three live resident cats—Paco, Yasha, and Negro—who roam the gallery and greet visitors. These cats are more than mascots: they embody the gallery’s mission, connecting people with real feline companions. The gallery’s income supports the socially beneficial animal care centre “Stary Kot” (“Old Cat”), which rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes dozens of cats in Minsk and surrounding regions.

Interesting Facts

The collection includes more than seven thousand feline‑themed artefacts representing over one hundred and six countries and nearly one hundred and fifty recognised artists, designers, and manufacturers.
Visitors can see items made from more than fifty different materials and spanning over one hundred and forty types of decorative and utilitarian objects, from jewellery and paintings to chess sets and household utensils.
Some rare and unique pieces include a full porcelain cat orchestra by Takashi Masaki, delivered from Japan after direct negotiations, and surrealist sculptures by Sergio Bustamante of Mexico.
On display are unusual utensils such as vintage napkin holders, corkscrews, ashtrays, snuff bottles, flasks, and even urns for storing cat ashes fashioned in feline form.
Gallery visitors often find themes such as “Cat Musicians” or “Cat in Boots”, and seasonal displays like “Christmas Cats”; the sections are constantly refreshed as new acquisitions arrive.
The gallery also promises a reward of five thousand roubles to anyone who identifies a larger publicly accessible collection of cat‑themed art anywhere in the world—via their “Kufar Records” initiative.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +37529 676 5166

Website: kotovasia.by/

Facebook: facebook.com/kotovasia.collection/mentions/?_rdr

Conclusion

Kotovasia in Minsk is not merely a museum; it is a testament to the heartfelt dedication of a collector turned philanthropist, and a celebration of the artistic and cultural connections between humans and cats. Visitors will discover a diverse and colourful collection, curated with care and infused with personal stories and global provenance. The presence of live cats roaming the exhibition space adds an endearing and tangible dimension to the visit.

Whether you come with children, friends, or guests unfamiliar with Minsk, Kotovasia promises delight and inspiration at every turn. You will leave not only with imprinted memories of beautiful, unusual cat‑centred objects, but also with the warm feeling of contributing to a meaningful cause—helping stray cats find new homes. Prepare to be enchanted by cat art from around the world and uplifted by the spirit of compassion that animates this exceptional gallery.