The undisputed king of toys, the teddy bear descends on the Musée des Arts décoratifs to tell his incredible story. Born at the very beginning of the 20th century, he quickly earned a place for himself in the hearts of children, dethroning toys whose existence dated back to Antiquity, like dolls or animals on wheels. Since then, the teddy bear has become the quasi-universal symbol of childhood, and synonymous with tenderness and gentleness. But how has the former king of animals, revered for his strength and feared for his ferocity, transformed into the most popular of toys?

• Individual tickets
• Self-guided groups

Tickets

Online booking strongly recommended for tours on Saturdays and Sundays

Estimated duration of the visit : 1h30

Information

Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
France
Phone: +33 (0)1 44 55 57 50


#Expo_OursPeluche

• Access
• Opening Hours and Admission Fees

Curator
• Anne MONIER, Curator, Toys Collection

Presentation
Steiff, Bear, 1910-1912
Steiff, Bear, 1910-1912
© Les Arts Décoratifs / Jean Tholance

The exhibition begins by recounting the eventful history of bears and human beings, from the first cohabitation in prehistoric caves to the bear handlers whose actions threatened the survival of the species. It continues with a look at the ancient ursine cults and their destruction by the Catholic Church, reducing the ancient pagan idol into a voracious, lazy, even demonic, animal.

The four hundred teddy bears from the museum’s collections tell the story of the birth of this toy in 1920 in Germany and the United States, as well as its transformations and successes. Since the first models made from mohair and wooden straw, which were heavy and rigid, the teddy bear has become more flexible and softer. He now comes in bright or pastel colours, making him the ideal cuddly toy. He reigns over an entire menagerie of stuffed animals, as well as works of children’s fiction, thanks to figures like Winnie the Pooh, Mishka the Bear, and Paddington.

Nowadays, while children abandon their toys at a younger and younger age, teddy bears have retained their allure thanks to this symbolic charge, the artists inspired by them, and the adults who keep them into adulthood. Staying close to one’s childhood companions is no longer a sign of immaturity but allows one to cultivate the part of childhood that lies within us all, giving voice to our spontaneity and creativity.

Far from the ferocious demigod that he once was, the bear has become— particularly in its polar version—the symbol of climate change and nature under threat. The various actions carried out to save the species, and the debates generated, show that the bear has never been, and never will be, an animal like any other.

Activities for adults, children and families

Guided tours and workshop are available in French, English, Italian and Spanish.

Individual ADULTES

Adultes Guided Tour (15 ans et +)
My Teddy Bear
The undisputed king of toys, the teddy bear is invited to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs to tell its incredible story. Born at the very beginning of the 20th century, the teddy bear quickly established itself in the hearts of children, dethroning toys whose existence dates back to antiquity, such as dolls and animals on wheels. Since then, it has become an almost universal symbol of childhood, as well as of tenderness and gentleness. How did the former king of animals, revered for his strength and feared for his ferocity, transform into the most popular of toys? That’s what you’ll discover when you visit this exhibition. From room to room, let yourself be guided by the lecturer, who will help you discover the richness of the exhibition.

DURATION: 1H30

Individual CHILDREN AND FAMILY

Workshop 4-6 years old/ 7-10 years old/ in family (4 years old and +)
My Little Teddy Bear
After visiting the exhibition, you can make your own miniature bear out of wool felt. Whether cheerful or grumpy, this pocket-sized teddy bear is a great storyteller to take with you on maxi adventures.

DURATION: 2H

INFORMATION

You can contact the public service Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm:
• by phone: 01 44 55 59 75
• by e-mail: billetterie@madparis.fr

All correspondence should be addressed to Service des Publics, Les Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.


Discover the other activities offered by the Public Services department

Activities for groups

Guided tours and workshop are available in French, English, Italian and Spanish.

GROUPES ADULTES

Guided Tour – 1h30 / 15 years and +
My Teddy Bear

How the bear, once king of animals, revered for his strength and feared for his ferocity, was transformed over the centuries into the most popular of toys. This is what you’ll discover on this tour, which invites you to rediscover a part of your childhood.

EDUCATION GROUPS

Dramatized Exploration – 1h30 / kindergarten
In the footsteps of the bear

From ferocious animal to cuddly toy, the tour invites you to discover the fabulous history of the bear through the ages. A walk punctuated by tour props, rhymes and the manipulation of materials.


Guided Tour – 1h30 / From Primary School
My Teddy Bear

ow the bear, once king of animals, revered for his strength and feared for his ferocity, was transformed over the centuries into the most popular of toys. This is what you’ll discover on this tour, which invites you to rediscover a part of your childhood.


Workshop - 2h / Primary School (From kindergarten)
My Little Teddy Bear

After visiting the exhibition, you can make your own miniature bear out of wool felt. Whether cheerful or grumpy, this pocket-sized teddy bear is a great storyteller to take with you on maxi adventures.

INFORMATION / Reservation

Schedules for group visits and activities:
• Youth (scholar and leisure): Tuesday to Friday from 10am
• Social sector et handicap : Tuesday to Friday from 10am
• Adults : Tuesday to Friday from 11am

You can contact the public service Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm:
• by phone: +33(0)1 44 55 57 66
• by email: reservation@madparis.fr

All correspondence should be addressed to Service des Publics, Les Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.

Pre-booking form Young leisure and school groups
Download (54.8 KiB)
Pre-booking form for adult and company
Download (54.4 KiB)
Pre-booking form for adult association
Download (54.7 KiB)

Please send the completed pre-reservation form to reservation@madparis.fr.

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