Mini Berlin Bear Alexander Platz Buddy Bear

Buddy Bears is the name given to painted, life-size fibreglass bear sculptures developed by Klaus and Eva Herlitz, in cooperation with sculptor Roman Strobl. "The Buddy Bear has become an unofficial ambassador for Germany and Berlin since 2001. The story of the Buddy Bears started with an city wide outdoor artistic event in Berlin in 2001.

I bought this mini bear at the hotel I was staying in on Alexander Platz in the center of East Berlin. The Hotel staff painted the outdoor big bear and sold the mini ones in the lobby. It is about 220mm tall.

The design shows scenes from Alex Platz, the Television tower and a view of the Park Inn Hotel where I stayed.

This section of Berlin was almost completely destroyed in WW2. It was rebuilt by the East German government in the Socialist Architecture style. Think retro Soviet high rises. The Platz/square is very busy in the day time and completely deserted at night.