Recent visitors to Pavilion would have noticed rows of painted bears all around the building. Each one represents a country recognised by the United Nations and they add so much colour to Jalan Bukit Bintang. Everyone, be they young or old, stops to gaze at the bears. Some of them are very striking while some are quite plain but each is unique and memorable in its own way.
Known as the “United Buddy Bears,” they are on display until 15th February, 2012. My favourite bear of the 140 is the French bear and the Australian bear is a close second because of the artist, renowned painter Ken Done whose work I have admired for more than a decade.
The Avenue of Bears:-
Bears Galore:-
The Australian Bear:-
The French Bear:-
The Moldovan Bear is outstanding:-
The Italian Bear:-
The USA Bear aka Bear of Liberty:-
The UK Bear:-
The Danish Bear:-
The Irish Bear:-
From the beautiful Land of the Kiwis:-
And not forgetting our very own Malaysian Bear!
The Republic of Korea Bear:-
Ever seen a bear with a cigar? This one’s from Cuba famous for its cigars:-
This one’s from the Land of the Pharoahs:-
Love the Chinese Bear:-
The Myanmar Bear is so golden:-
And finally the Buthanese Bear:-
Then there was this lovely couple in wedding attire posing in front of the fountain before the crowds arrived:-
So sweet!
Thanks for sharing this. A great concept for global peace and tolerance. There is a similar charity scheme in Europe, started by a Danish Charity (I think) where they used similar size Elephants. Instaed of countries, companies and organisations all over the world bought and decorated the elephants. These are then on prominent display all over Copenhagen. Companies can also buy the elephants for display in their own cities. In London, there wee a number of beautifully decorated elephants dotting the city and building foyers. Signs of European solidarity.
Yes, the elephants were displayed in Singapore recently but not sure if they are still there.