The United Buddy Bears at Tierpark Berlin
34th Exhibtion
In Berlin the bear is always tap-dancing (as the saying goes). In Berlin there is always an anniversary coming up. In Berlin there is always a celebration.
In 2020 the Tierpark Friedrichsfelde celebrated its birthday. Europe's largest landscaped animal garden turned 65 on 2nd July and Buddy Bear Berlin had a very special birthday surprise: the United Buddy Bears.
The exhibition "The Art of Tolerance" is back in the home town of the bears. And in a place that could hardly be more fitting. 146 bears from 146 countries make a stopover between elephants, giraffes and tigers. The 34th exhibition on the United Buddy Bears' world tour is an bear-tastic“ event for old and young, for Berliners and visitors from all over the world.
The patrons of the exhibition at Tierpark Berlin are Federal Minister for Family Affairs Dr. Franziska Giffey and the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Michael Müller.
We thank the „bear patrons“ of this exhibition. Above all, we would like to thank our long-standing supporters from Weberbank, THW and the Haberling company, without whose help the surprise for the zoo and its guests would not have been possible.
The Grand Opening
July 2, 2020
On 2nd July 2020, the exhibition of the United Buddy Bears was opened in the Tierpark Berlin under great interest of the press. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Dr. Franziska Giffey, who - together with the governing mayor of Berlin - is patron of the international exhibition for tolerance and understanding, came to the opening at the bear-lined Schlossallee in Friedrichsfelde. She gave a remarkable speech alongside the director of the Tierpark, Dr. Andreas Knieriem.
Eva and Klaus Herlitz, the initiators of the United Buddy Bears - and thus of this 34th exhibition of „The Art of Tolerance“ - not only had heart-warming words for all supporters and helping hands, but also Buddy Bear miniatures with suitable animal motifs. In the presence of the artist Andrej Wolff, these were presented to Andreas Knieriem as well as representatives of Weberbank, Technisches Hilfswerk and the Haberling company.
Before that, Mrs. Giffey took the opportunity to thank Andrej Bitter, who designed the Buddy Bear Rixi. In mini format, this Buddy Bear has accompanied the Minister since her time in Neukölln's town hall.
Traditionally, the red ribbon was cut and the exhibition, which will be on display in the Tierpark until further notice, was opened.
Entry to the Tierpark Berlin
The Tierpark Berlin is open to the public during pandemic times.
So there is the possibility to experience some art and culture during an extended walk on the extensive grounds and to visit the United Buddy Bears exhibition at the Tierpark.
Please read up on any restrictions and applicable regulations beforehand on the page of the Tierpark.
It's a pleasure to meet again
Traditionally, openings in Berlin are always a good opportunity to see many of the international artists who have designed Buddy Bears for their home country again. This was also the case at Tierpark Berlin.
Unveiling of a new United Buddy Bear for Rwanda
On 8th September 2020, the bear for the country of Rwanda was unveiled. In the presence of Zoo Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem, Mr. and Mrs. Herlitz and of course the artist himself, who created the sculpture under the pseudonym NUKWAMI, the bear was added to the exhibition "The Art of Tolerance".
Mongolian celebration
On August 27, 2021, we had the great pleasure of hosting a Mongolian celebration at the Tierpark Berlin. The occasion was the unveiling of a new United Buddy Bear for the Asian country. It was designed by the artist Dolgor Ser-Od for her home country.
The musicians and a dancer from the Khukh Mongol folklore group provided a fitting and highly atmospheric setting, carrying the visitors away to the far reaches of the country with their sounds and traditional costumes.
The Exhibtion in the Course of the Seasons
The United Buddy Bears have never on exhibit for such a long time. Since the grand opening in July 2020 they have seen the four seasons at the Tierpark Berlin.
Partners & Sponsors
The exhibition owes its origin and the possibility to be visited all over the world completely free of charge to the committed work of many institutions, organisations, administrative bodies, companies and individuals. For supporting the exhibitions of the United Buddy Bears at the Tierpark Berlin in 2020 til 2022 we want to thank:
