If you love anything quirky, unique, or over-the-top then you’re going to love The Lucky Cat Museum in Cincinnati. Tucked away in the historic Hamilton Tailoring Co. building, now know as Essex Studios, is a little museum dedicated to Japan’s famous Beckoning Lucky Cats, otherwise known as “Maneki-Neko.” With thousands of cats calling you to visit, you’ll find it impossible to resist taking a trip to this adorably unique museum.

Outsiders may think of the Midwest a swath of simple, small-town culture, but this unique museum in Cincinnati proves that you never know what you’ll find in America’s heartland.

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook

Inside the Essex Studio building is the largest collection of Lucky Cats in North America.

nuclearfish/TripAdvisor The museum is the creation of Micha Robertson’s personal collection. Over time Robertson has increased her collection through purchases and donations.

You don’t have to have an obesssion with Japanese culture to appreciate the vast and varied forms of cats on display.

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook However, having a love for cats probably helps!

From matchbooks to slot machines, the friendly little felines beckon you to take a closer look.

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook These cats come from all over the world and give visitors an interesting perspective of how “lucky cats” are interpreted in many different cultures.

It’s amazing to see these figures in so many forms. Some of these cats were made over 100 years ago!

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook

Other cats were produced just this year. Today, many of the beckoning cats are made to mix both Maneki-Neko and pop culture themes.

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook

Before you leave take a little bit of luck home with you.

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook Visit the gift shop where you can choose from cat pins, notebooks, history books, t-shirts, and more. It may prompt you to start your own collection.

While museum hours are limited, it’s definitely worth your while to carve out some time to visit.

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook Who knows, a visit may bring a bit of luck to your life!

The Lucky Cat Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

Lucky Cat Museum/Facebook

nuclearfish/TripAdvisor

The museum is the creation of Micha Robertson’s personal collection. Over time Robertson has increased her collection through purchases and donations.

However, having a love for cats probably helps!

These cats come from all over the world and give visitors an interesting perspective of how “lucky cats” are interpreted in many different cultures.

Visit the gift shop where you can choose from cat pins, notebooks, history books, t-shirts, and more. It may prompt you to start your own collection.

Who knows, a visit may bring a bit of luck to your life!

Have you been to The Lucky Cat Museum? Did you even know this one-of-a-kind museum existed in Cincinnati? Share with us in the comments below.

Looking for more ways to explore the arts and culture scene in Cincinnati? Check out this pedal tour of Cincinnati that takes you by some of the city’s most beautiful murals.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Ohio’s Lucky Cat Museum, 2511 Essex Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45206, USA