REVIEW - THE CAT THAT SLEPT FOR A THOUSAND YEARS | MANCHESTER MUSEUM | 30/08/2025

Purring into Dreams: Our Review of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years at Manchester Museum”

🐾 Step Into the Story

This summer, Manchester Museum has unveiled one of its most unusual residents — a gigantic, robotic cat that purrs, twitches, and dreams while taking up an entire gallery space. The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years, created in collaboration with the imaginative robotics studio Air Giants, runs from 19th July to 14th September 2025. Entry is free, but tickets must be booked in advance.

We visited on a Saturday during the school summer holidays at 2pm, expecting it to be crowded. To our surprise, the exhibition was calm, with only a handful of families inside. This meant Alice (7) and Leo (6) had plenty of time to stroke, cuddle, and interact with the giant cat without feeling rushed or overcrowded.

🎬 Setting the Scene

The experience begins with a short animated film that explains how a team of Antarctic researchers “discovered” the mysterious feline and brought it to Manchester for care and study. The transition from museum reality into fantasy is smooth and fun, with the film helping children get into the story before meeting the cat itself.

We also appreciated the small sensory nook at the entrance, offering ear defenders and calming tools — a thoughtful feature that makes the exhibition more inclusive for families.

🐱 The Giant Cat Experience

The star of the show is, of course, the enormous 10-metre-long inflatable cat. Its chest rises and falls as though it’s peacefully asleep, while its tail twitches and ears flick when stroked. The room is bathed in dreamy yellow and purple light, adding a magical quality to the atmosphere.

Alice and Leo were in awe, gently patting the cat and giggling when it purred beneath their hands. With fewer visitors around, they were able to really immerse themselves in the moment, climbing onto the platform and enjoying some calm, close-up interaction.

✍️ Activities for Kids

Beyond the cat, children can enjoy drawing a picture or leaving a message for the feline friend, as well as exploring cat-inspired objects from the museum’s wider collection. Alice and Leo loved taking part in the creative activities and adding their artwork to the wall — a sweet way to extend the experience.

🌟 Our Thoughts

While the giant cat is undeniably impressive and the interactive element is magical for young visitors, the rest of the exhibition is quite limited. A handful of artefacts and a mural wall don’t add much depth, meaning older visitors may find it a little lightweight compared to other Manchester Museum displays.

That said, the exhibition succeeds in creating a slow, calming, family-friendly space where children are encouraged to imagine, play, and connect. For us, the relaxed atmosphere on a summer Saturday was a real bonus.

🎭 Conclusion

The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years is a unique and whimsical exhibition that offers families the chance to step into a dreamlike world for half an hour of wonder. For children, the chance to stroke and cuddle a “sleeping” giant cat is pure magic, while parents will appreciate the thoughtful touches like the sensory space and quiet atmosphere.

It may not be the most substantial exhibition Manchester Museum has ever hosted, but it’s a lovely free activity if you’re already in the museum.

✨ “Sometimes the biggest cat can teach the smallest lesson: slow down, dream a little, and enjoy the purrs along the way.” ✨

📍 At a Glance

The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years

📍 Location: Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester

📅 Dates: 19 July – 14 September 2025

👧 Recommended age: Suitable for all ages (gentle, family-friendly experience)

⏱ Average visit time: 30 minutes – 1 hour (longer if little ones enjoy exploring the AR trail and activities)

🎟 Entry: Free (ticketed hourly slots, but you can stay as long as you like)

♿ Accessibility: Step-free access, lift available, sensory-friendly Quiet Time sessions (Saturdays 8–10 am), Easy Read guide, ear defenders available to borrow

✨ Highlights: 10-metre inflatable robotic cat that purrs and glows, “Find the Kittens” AR trail, A Purr-fect Summer family activities

🌐 Website: museum.manchester.ac.uk/thecat