When it comes to cat and dog exhibitions, many Hong Kong people first think of touring museum shows from overseas. But actually, at Futian Civic Center, the special exhibition "Pets·Love—The World of Cats and Dogs" (寵·愛—貓貓狗狗的世界), co-organised by Shenzhen Museum and the National Museum of Science and Technology of France, runs from 30 May 2026 to 8 October—only about two weeks left before it closes. The whole exhibition features 96 artefacts/sets plus over 20 original French interactive experiences, letting you see the story of cats and dogs living alongside humans for tens of thousands of years all at once, and even try out "cat and dog superpowers" hands-on.
Exhibition runs until 8 October — last chance during Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays
The exhibition period is 30 May 2026 to 8 October 2026, closed on Mondays (except statutory holidays), opening hours 10:00–17:30. The gallery is located in the First Special Exhibition Hall of Shenzhen Museum Jintian Road Branch (History and Folk Culture Museum), address: Area A, Civic Center, Futian District, Shenzhen. From 1 to 7 October during the National Day holiday, Shenzhen will be at its busiest. If you want a comfortable visit, it's best to pick a weekday in late September or the morning opening slot on the first day of the holiday.
What's there to see? Two tracks: artefacts + interaction
The exhibition has two tracks: one is the artefact track—96 artefacts/sets of cat and dog relics from successive dynasties, ranging from ancient ceramics and paintings to folk objects, explaining clearly when cats and dogs were domesticated by humans and how they later became part of daily life; the other is the interactive track—over 20 original French exhibits, including "Jump High" (testing how high you can jump like a cat), balance challenges, guess who, and more—something to both look at and play with.
The venue also has an animal science section introducing the sensory secrets, body language and behavioural psychology of cats and dogs, suitable for parents and children to visit together: kids play with the interactive exhibits, adults look at the artefacts, so you won't get the "kids are bored" situation.
Ticket prices at a glance (on-site prices, September 2026)
| Ticket type | Price | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Adult ticket | ¥79 | 18 to 65 years old |
| Child ticket | ¥49 | 6 to 12 years old, and height 120–150 cm |
| Student ticket | ¥59 | Over 1.5 m tall and under 18, or full-time students (with student ID) |
| Senior ticket | ¥49 | 65 to 69 years old |
| Parent-child ticket (1 adult 1 child) | ¥119 | 1 adult + 1 child under 1.2 m |
| Family ticket (2 adults 1 child) | ¥189 | 2 adults + 1 child under 1.2 m |
| Free | ¥0 | Children under 6, seniors 70 or above, persons with disabilities, entitled personnel of the three categories |
Note: There are still "early bird tickets ¥49" circulating online, but early bird tickets were sold from 9 to 25 May and only valid for use before 30 June—they are now invalid. What you buy on-site and online is the prices in the table above. Purchase channels are the Shenzhen Museum official WeChat account, the Ctrip Travel APP (overseas travellers can use Trip.com); there are also self-service ticket machines in the museum, so you can buy tickets on the spot.
Transport: 350 metres from Civic Center Station Exit B
The most convenient way to reach Shenzhen Museum Jintian Road Branch is by metro: Line 2 or Line 4 to Civic Center Station Exit B, then walk about 350 metres after exiting the gates; by bus you can take routes 38, 60, 64, M390 etc. and get off at Civic Center East Station or Civic Center Station. If driving, navigate to Civic Square Car Park and enter from the west entrance.
How to get there from three checkpoints
- Luohu Checkpoint: Line 1 to Convention & Exhibition Center Station, transfer to Line 4 for one stop to Civic Center Station, about 20 minutes in total.
- Futian Checkpoint: Line 4 direct to Civic Center Station, no transfer needed, just two stops—the most convenient.
- Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint: Line 13 to Houhai Station, transfer to Line 2 towards Civic Center Station, about 30 minutes.
Places to visit along the way
The Civic Center area itself is Futian's most concentrated cultural district: walk out of the museum and you're at Lianhuashan Park (free, with a view of the Futian skyline from the summit); Shenzhen Museum Ancient Art Museum is at 6 Tongxin Road, Futian District, two metro stops away, also free with no booking required; in addition, Futian COCO Park and Shenzhen Book City Central City are nearby, so after the exhibition you can eat and buy books—a full half-day route in one line.
Practical tips
- Closed on Mondays (except statutory holidays)—remember to confirm the day's opening before you set off.
- The venue closes at 17:30; last entry is generally within one hour before closing, so it's best to enter before 15:00.
- The ticket is "one ticket for all"—after the special exhibition you can also visit Shenzhen Museum's other free permanent exhibitions.
- The air conditioning inside is on the cold side; if bringing children, remember a light jacket; photography is allowed inside, but no flash.
- If you're a family of four, the "Family ticket 2 adults 1 child" at ¥189 is better value than buying separately (2×79＋49＝¥207).
Who is this exhibition best for?
The first group is Hong Kong pet owners: the artefact section clearly explains the history of cats and dogs living alongside humans for tens of thousands of years, and you'll feel an extra layer of resonance after seeing it. The second group is families with children—the over 20 interactive experiences are the kids' domain, and parents can teach a bit of animal science along the way. The third group is museum enthusiasts, because this exhibition is a collaboration between the National Museum of Science and Technology of France and Shenzhen Museum, and the display approach differs from ordinary artefact exhibitions on the mainland—worth comparing. If there are seniors in your group, remember 65 to 69 years old get a ¥49 senior ticket, and 70 or above are free; there are lifts inside and wheelchairs can enter.
Bonus: a half-day Civic Center itinerary
Shenzhen Museum Jintian Road Branch is right in Area A of the Civic Center. After leaving, you can walk along Fuzhong 3rd Road to Lianhuashan Park; the summit plaza is the most open spot for viewing the Futian CBD skyline, and it's free throughout. After coming down, if you want to eat, there are large shopping malls in the direction of Civic Center and Convention & Exhibition Center, with cheap cha chaan tengs and chain fast food available. A combined itinerary could be: 10:00 see the exhibition in the morning, eat at noon, walk the park in the afternoon, and head back to cross the border before 17:00—no need to rush.
FAQ
Do I need to book for the Shenzhen Museum cat and dog special exhibition?
The special exhibition is admission by ticket; after buying, enter according to your time slot. Shenzhen Museum's other free permanent exhibitions generally require no booking, but with heavy crowds during holidays, it's best to check the day's arrangements on the official WeChat account first.
Can I buy tickets with a Hong Kong identity card / Home Return Permit?
Real-name ticketing is required; with a Home Return Permit you can buy tickets through official channels or Ctrip. For overseas travellers, buying via Trip.com is smoothest—bring your ID document for verification on entry.
When does the exhibition close?
It runs until 8 October 2026, after which it will be dismantled—if you want to see it, seize this Mid-Autumn and National Day window.
Is there parking nearby?
You can navigate to Civic Square Car Park and enter from the west entrance; parking spaces are tight during holidays, so taking the metro is recommended.
One last reminder: ticket prices and opening hours may be adjusted—refer to Shenzhen Museum's official announcements.
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