The teddy bear appears today in many different forms. Familiar yet always new, it is a ubiquitous, quiet companion in our lives. From the first examples around 1900 to its status as a pop culture icon and coveted collector's item—the teddy bear is arguably the world's most popular cuddly toy. What makes it unique is above all its emotional significance: it is far more than just a toy; it is often a loyal friend, comforter, and silent listener.
For over 100 years, the teddy bear has accompanied children and adults through thick and thin—as a toy, a cult object, and a collector's item. But the fascination with bears goes back much further, as mythology and symbolism impressively demonstrate. Be it in ancient legends, heraldry, or customs like the Basel Bear Dance—the bear represents, among other things, strength, protection, and courage.
The exhibition tells the story of how this fascination with bears gave rise to a plush toy that achieved worldwide success. In the "Year of the Bear," 1907, a veritable boom began, with teddy bears conquering children's rooms in Europe and the United States. Soon after, the bear, in the form of Winnie the Pooh, Paddington, and Baloo, made the leap to the big screen and television. Advertising also capitalized on bear-like appeal, for example with the Haribo Goldbear. Today, the teddy bear has long been a part of everyday design, adorning lifestyle products as well as runways, where brands like Ralph Lauren and Palm Angels reinterpret it.

Website
spielzeug-welten-museum-basel.ch/de/ausstellungen/2026/teddy-von-legende-bis-lifestyle.html

Where
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
Steinenvorstadt 1
4051 Basel

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