150 life-sized, vibrant bear sculptures – 145 representing a specific country and five “special” bears – have been spotted at the Supertree Grove Lawn, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in the United Buddy Bears exhibition.
United Buddy Bears Exhibition at Gardens by the Bay
The United Buddy Bears exhibition first went on display in Berlin in 2002. The showcase represents the hope for a peaceful world has made its way across 36 countries, including United States, France, Finland, Egypt, Japan and India. It is now in Singapore till 12 October 2025.
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.
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A collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Embassy of Germany in Singapore, the United Buddy Bears exhibition at Gardens by the Bay features two-metre-tall fibre-glass bears standing hand in hand in two concentric circles at the Supertree Grove Lawn.
The United Buddy Bears symbolise unity and friendship amongst the nations. It is also being shown to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Germany in the year of SG60.
Country Bears Designed by Artists from Around the World
Each of the 145 country bears is designed by an artist from its respective country to exemplify their unique culture, heritage and creativity.
Singapore is represented too, of course. Singapore’s very own bear is designed by then Raffles Design Institute student Jacqueline Harliman. This United Buddy Bears exhibition marks the Singapore bear’s homecoming.
For those who are wondering, the Singapore bear is the result of a design competition organised by Singapore Tourism Board back in 2010. It represents Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage, the Singapore bear carries a combination of orchids, henna tattoos and lotus motifs set against a red background.
Special Bears Representing Values and Principles
In addition to the country bears, there are five special bears that represent values and principles. See if you can find them when visiting the Buddy Bears exhibition.
The fiver special bears 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
Viewing the United Buddy Bears at Gardens by the Bay
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.
Admission to the exhibition is free and you can view it till 12 October 2025 at the Supertree Grove Lawn at Gardens by the Bay. Get more details about the United Buddy Bears exhibition in Singapore.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy this other story about what’s on at the Cooled Conservatory at Gardens by the Bay.
