Panthers, lynx, cheetahs, caracals… And even the cat that curls up on our couches: they all belong to the same family, the Felidae. Starting October 10, 2026, the Bordeaux Museum is dedicating “Félins” to them—an exhibition that reveals the diversity, hunting skills, and vulnerabilities of these fascinating animals.
A journey into the great feline family
Designed by the National Museum of Natural History and adapted for Bordeaux, “Félins” spans over 300 m². The exhibition offers a panoramic view of the 38 existing species, with no fewer than 23 presented as… taxidermied specimens.
The exhibition thus allows visitors to discover animals with very different silhouettes, coats, and lifestyles. Despite these differences, they all share a common evolutionary history and characteristics that reflect their adaptation to their environments.
Predators with incredible abilities
How did felines become such formidable hunters? Retractable claws, fangs, camouflage… By examining their anatomy and physical abilities, the exhibition allows us to admire and understand their full power.
But this image of the unparalleled predator should not obscure their vulnerability. Habitat loss and human activities now threaten several species. A section dedicated to the tiger , in particular, highlights the challenges related to its conservation.
To conclude the visit, an exhibition design invites visitors to look beyond the fascination exerted by this iconic animal. Two works bythe artist Epsig also bring an artistic and emotional dimension to this reflection on our relationship with living creatures.
An exhibition the whole family will enjoy
Kids aren’t left out! Interactive exhibits and educational activities are scattered throughout the exhibition, allowing visitors of all ages to explore the world of felines at their own pace.
And through January 2027, “Félins” can be visited alongside “Miaou!”, an exhibition dedicated to cats and their place in our imaginations. These two complementary exhibitions take visitors on a journey from domestic pets to large wild predators, revealing the full richness of this animal family.
Practical information:
📍Bordeaux Museum, 5 Place Bardineau
🍾 Opening on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.; free admission
📆 Open to the public: October 10, 2026, through September 19, 2026
🎫 Admission: access to the exhibition is included with the general admission ticket
