Step into the paws of cats and dogs

Whether you own a pet or not, one thing is certain: you won’t be able to resist this new exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum.

Here, you’re invited to crawl, run, and jump like a cat or dog. Listen to their various sounds to decode their moods and intentions. Touch plush balls the way pets do for comfort, and gain insight into how our closest furry friends experience the world around them.

A visitor crawls to test his balance.

A child runs in a slalom challenge.

A collaboration between Shenzhen Museum and Universcience from France, “Dear Love: The World of Cats and Dogs” puts visitors in the paws of cats and dogs through interactive games, videos, illustrations, and tactile objects. The exhibition offers a playful, sensory journey for us to better understand their morphology, intelligence, behaviors, and their place in human society.

Drawing on the latest research in ethology (the science of animal behavior) and animal cognition, the exhibition is divided into three sections, inviting visitors to see their companions in a new light.

An interactive game invites visitors to “crossbreed” cats or dogs in different species categories.

A visitor listens to different cat sounds through an installation to learn their moods.

“In Their Skin” is an active space where visitors compare their own physical skills with those of animals — such as speed, agility, and jumping ability. You’ll explore the different ranges of body shapes found in canines and felines, and observe their defining characteristics.

“In Their Heads” explores the behavior, cognition, and communication methods of cats and dogs. Step into your pets’ minds to understand how they communicate, interpret emotions, and reveal the logic behind their behavior.

A child is about to jump like a cat to test her agility.

Dogs and cats fill our homes, our streets, and our culture. “In Our Society” takes a closer look at the unique relationships between humans, cats, and dogs — helping visitors understand the valued roles these animals play in households and society.

Many videos and interactive games are available in English and you can learn almost everything you need to know about cats and dogs at the exhibition.

A child touches fur on a wall display showing different cat fur patterns.

The exhibition also features 80 animal-themed artifacts from several domestic museums — ranging from Han Dynasty pottery and Qing Dynasty porcelains to modern embroidery works — blending historical treasures with scientific interactivity. Chinese companies including BGI, Tencent, and Ctrip have also contributed to the exhibition.

Han Dynasty pottery works on display.

Qing Dynasty porcelain works on display.

Running through the summer vacation until October, the Shenzhen Museum will host animal-themed history and science lectures, and drama and fine art classes.

Dates: Through Oct. 8

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mondays

Venue: Shenzhen Museum’s history and folk culture division, Jintian Road, Futian District 深圳博物馆金田路馆(历史民俗)

Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B