Cats & Dogs

From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to the black cats of superstition, Cats & Dogs explores humanity’s deep connection to these animals through more than 250 works of art and design.

Presented thematically, with dogs on one side and cats on the other, the exhibition unpacks particular behaviours, cultural symbolism and art-historical motifs. These include: working dogs and cats; mythology; religion and spirituality; and cats and dogs in popular culture.

Traversing painting, prints, drawings, textiles, photography, sculpture, decorative arts and fashion, Cats & Dogs reveals the global appeal of these animals across borders and cultures, with works from Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.