Buddy Bears Unite Nations: Singapore and Germany Celebrate 60 Years of Friendship at Gardens by the Bay

A new pair of iconic Buddy Bear sculptures has taken up residence at Gardens by the Bay, marking a heartfelt collaboration between Singapore and Germany. The bears, designed by artists from both countries, were gifted by the Embassy of Germany in Singapore and the Free State of Saxony to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Visitors can now find them on long-term display at Bayfront Plaza, just outside Bayfront MRT.

The official gifting ceremony was graced by Dr. Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and National Development, and Mr. Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony, who is in Singapore on an official visit. Before the ceremony, both dignitaries toured the United Buddy Bears exhibition at Supertree Grove: an international art project from Berlin that features 150 vividly painted bear sculptures representing countries and universal values such as kindness, respect, and the pursuit of knowledge. The exhibition runs until 12 October.

Embodying the theme of nature as a universal language, the new bears celebrate the beauty of flora that transcends borders and connects cultures. One bear was created by artists from the Sculpture Society Singapore, while the other was designed by students and teachers in Saxony, with guidance from experts at the renowned Porcelain Manufactory MEISSEN. The Singapore team later brought the German design to life through their artistic interpretation.

The Singapore Bear bursts with red hues and familiar national icons, from the Vanda Miss Joaquim and Supertrees to nostalgic kampung scenes, reflecting the nation’s multicultural vibrancy. In contrast, the German Bear showcases a serene green-and-white palette inspired by Saxony’s colours, adorned with cornflowers and orchids to symbolise harmony between the two nations.

Adding a personal touch, both sculptures feature handcrafted clay flowers made by students from the German European School Singapore and local participants of Sculpture Society workshops.

Named Florestan and Eusebius, inspired by the dual artistic personas of German composer Robert Schumann, the bears represent the dynamic and reflective sides of creativity. Visitors are invited to interpret which spirit each bear embodies, celebrating art’s power to spark imagination and connection.

Together, these Buddy Bears stand as colourful symbols of friendship, creativity, and cultural harmony, a joyful reminder that even 10,000 kilometres apart, art can unite hearts and nations.