Marisel and Panna Kota: The Museum Cats of Odesa

By Ōtepoti He Puna Auaha | Dunedin UNESCO City Of Literature | Posted: Friday Feb 21, 2025

On 24 February 2022, life changed forever for the people and animals of Ukraine. Our dear friends at Odesa City of Literature have invited us to share this graphic novel by Olena Iliasova (Author) and Maria Apriatova (Illustrator), dedicated to the museum workers of Ukraine - a story of resilience and hope through the eyes of Marisel and Panna Kota, the Museum Cats of Odesa.

Marisel and Panna Kota are two real-life cats who had lived peacefully in the historic Odesa Museum, also known as Bleshchunov House. The creators chose them as the main characters not only because they are residents of the museum, lovingly cared for by its staff, but also because Odesa is a city where cats are cherished and protected.

With the unwavering optimism of Odesans, this graphic novel captures both the dramatic efforts to save the Museum’s collection and the struggles and perseverance of the City’s residents.

Today, Marisel and Panna Kota have taken on an unexpected new role—bringing comfort and connection as ‘cat therapists’ in Flat No 6, a special exhibition and communication space.

Click on the file below to read this story about the enduring spirit of Ukraine and its people.