150 LIFE-SIZED BEARS STAND HAND IN HAND AT GARDENS BY THE BAY REPRESENTING HOPE FOR A PEACEFUL WORLD
The iconic United Buddy Bears exhibition, which has travelled the world since it began in Berlin in 2002, makes its Singapore debut at Supertree Grove Lawn
In the edition of United Buddy Bears at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s bear (left) is placed next to Germany’s bear (right) to symbolise 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
There will be bear sightings aplenty at Gardens by the Bay beginning today, as 150 life-sized, vibrant bear sculptures – 145 representing a specific country and five “special” bears – make their show-stopping debut in Singapore in the United Buddy Bears exhibition.
Since its inaugural exhibition in Berlin in 2002, the iconic showcase representing the hope for a peaceful world has made its way across 36 countries, including United States, France, Finland, Egypt, Japan, India before arriving in Singapore.
In collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Embassy of Germany in Singapore, the 2-metre-tall fibre-glass bears standing hand in hand in two concentric circles at the Supertree Grove Lawn, symbolise not only unity and friendship amongst the nations but also celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Germany in the year of SG60.
The exhibition was launched by Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & the Ministry of Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash today and will open for free to all visitors until 12 October 2025.
Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh said, “We are delighted to host the United Buddy Bears exhibition for the very first time in Singapore. Beyond its vibrant artistic impression, this showcase symbolises the enduring friendship of 60 years between Singapore and Germany. As an internationally renowned horticultural attraction, we leverage our global network to bring world-class shows and exhibitions to promote cultural vibrancy and foster meaningful connections with the local community against the iconic backdrop of Gardens by the Bay. The United Buddy Bears exhibition, in particular, carries a powerful message of world peace and international understanding as bears from different countries stand hand in hand in unity. This distinctive combination of purpose and place not only elevates the visitor experience but also reflects our enduring mission to be a true People’s Garden – one that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.”
The United Buddy Bears exhibition features 150 bears arranged in two concentric circles.
Each of the 145 country bears is designed by an artist from its respective country to exemplify their unique culture, heritage and creativity. Singapore’s very own bear, designed by then Raffles Design Institute student Jacqueline Harliman, also makes its homecoming. Singapore’s bear is the result of a design competition organised by Singapore Tourism Board back in 2010. Representing Singapore’s multicultural heritage, the Singapore bear carries a combination of orchids, henna tattoos and lotus motifs set against a red background.
‘Special’ Bears – Golden Rule and Global Ethic
The five special bears represent values and principles. They are:
- Golden Rule and Global Ethic, who travel in a pair and symbolise being considerate to fellow human brings and peaceful dialogue among religions
- Human Rights, which has Article 1 of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights inscribed on its back
- Respect for All Life, which is a reflection on ideal human behaviour towards all things alive
- Einstein, the only four-legged bear dedicated to the genius of the scientist Albert Einstein
‘Special’ Bear – Einstein
Buddy Bears is the brainchild of German husband-and-wife Klaus and Eva Herlitz, who had the vision to use art as a universal language to promote peace, tolerance and international understanding. The bears started out as a street art event in Berlin in 2001.
The United Buddy Bears exhibition at Gardens by the Bay is made possible by community partner Tote Board, with main sponsors DHL Group and Hapag Lloyd, and supporting sponsors Biotronik and PSD Bank, as well as official airline partner Lufthansa. Other partners are Berliner Sparkasse, Boehringer Ingelheim, Crowne Plaza, Frasers Property, German Accelerator, Jungheinrich, LBBW, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, Spielbank Berlin, Visit Berlin, and Weberbank.
📅 15 Aug to 12 Oct 2025
🕙 9am – 9pm
📍 Supertree Grove Lawn
🏷 The exhibition is free.
Visit here for details.
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