December 4, 2024 – June 22, 2025
Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris
A Tender Journey to the Heart of the Teddy Bear's History and Pamplemousse Peluches
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs opens its doors to a heartwarming and captivating exhibition: "My Teddy Bear," a unique exploration of the history and cultural impact of this iconic toy. From December 4, 2024, to June 22, 2025, the exhibition celebrates the teddy bear, the undisputed king of toys, tracing its fascinating journey from its origin in the early 20th century to its universal status as a symbol of childhood and tenderness.
An Astonishing Transformation
How did the bear, once feared and respected as the king of animals, become the planet's softest and most popular toy? This exhibition delves into this incredible transformation. The story begins in the early 1900s when the teddy bear appeared simultaneously in Germany and the United States, dethroning ancestral toys such as dolls and pull-along animals. Since then, it has captured the imagination of both children and adults, becoming an emotional object that transcends generations.
An Immersive and Poetic Journey
The exhibition highlights historical and contemporary teddy bears, each telling a unique story. Visitors will discover rare plush toys, sometimes filled with emotion, that have crossed time and cultures. Among these creations, the beloved characters from Pamplemousse Peluches enrich the presentation: Robert, Paul-Émile, Cachou, and Robertto. These modern bears, made with exceptional artisanal care, embody the essence of tenderness and creativity.
At the heart of the exhibition, the installation La Forêt Tactile (The Tactile Forest), made with fabrics from the Pamplemousse Atelier, offers an unprecedented sensory experience. Visitors can explore a space where soft and varied furs evoke the comforting textures of plush toys. This interactive space invites visitors to reconnect with childhood sensations and immerse themselves in a cocoon of softness.
An Timeless Symbol
Over the centuries, the teddy bear has established itself as an emblematic object, representing innocence, comfort, and resilience. Through archival documents, videos, and testimonies, the exhibition reveals the many facets of this toy: its place in families, its representation in the arts and media, and its role in sometimes unexpected contexts, such as psychotherapy or luxury collections.
An Exhibition for All Ages
"My Teddy Bear" is for all ages, from children amazed by these companions of softness to adults nostalgic for their own childhood bear. This tender and captivating journey will delight history, design, and shared emotion enthusiasts.
Join us at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs to celebrate this faithful and universal friend, and (re)discover why the teddy bear holds such a special place in our lives.
