This year, for the first time, Ljubljana is hosting the exhibition United Buddy Bears, the Art of Tolerance. Until 17 July, 145 two-meter bears will be exhibited at Trg Republike, spreading friendship and optimism between the countries they represent with raised hands.
The story of “Buddy Bears” began in 2022 in Berlin, when the initiators of the project, Eva and Klaus Herlitz, launched a unique initiative that contributed to the development of street art in Berlin. At that time, the ambassadors of the countries invited artists to paint a two-meter sculpture of a bear that would represent their country, its special features, culture, history, people, landscape, economy, music or customs. With this, bears have become a reflection of the cultural diversity of our world.
In 2004, a colourful group of traveling bears went on a tour around the world, which also visited Ljubljana this year. Among them is a newly painted Slovenian bear created by the young artist Luka Rep.
The exhibition in Ljubljana was created in cooperation with the City of Ljubljana, the German Embassy Ljubljana and Buddy Bear Berlin. At SŽ-Tovorni promet, we are proud that, as a partner, we were able to support a positive project that encourages thinking about international understanding and peaceful coexistence.
