Have the aliens landed? No, that circular formation you might have spotted from atop a Supertree or the OCBC Skyway is made up of bears – 150 giant hand-painted bear figures, each standing at two metres tall. Made out of fibreglass, these teddies are part of the Berlin-hailing United Buddy Bears exhibition, which has toured the world since 2002. Now, it’s finally made its first Singapore stop at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove Lawn.
There’s a deeper meaning to these multicoloured bear sculptures standing almost hand-in-hand. The exhibition symbolises world peace and the hope for more kindness and understanding between people and nations across the globe. In fact, 145 of the Buddy Bears represent a specific country, each painted by an artist from its corresponding nation.
Singapore’s bear is, fittingly, red and white to match the colours of our national flag, and its patterns are inspired by the orchid, henna tattoos, and lotus to represent our multi-cultural social fabric. Stroll along the field and go on a ‘world tour’ as you identify each of the uniquely decorated bears.
The remaining five bears stand for values: Golden Rule and Global Ethic, a pair of gold-dipped bears that never leave each other’s sides; Human Rights; Respect for All Life; and finally, Einstein, which is dedicated to the acclaimed German scientist Albert Einstein.
The United Buddy Bears exhibition is now open till October 12, 2025 at the Supertree Grove Lawn, and admission is free. Find out more here.
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