NounOURS: From Cave Bears to Teddy Bears

André Malraux Media Library – 1 Place du 14 Juillet, 34500 Béziers.

An exhibition that offers a journey into the world of bears

The bear is a mythical animal to which humans have always attached great importance. The subject of legends, feared or revered, glorified or demonized, the bear is deeply rooted in the symbolism of our Western societies.

Created by the University of Montpellier’s Science and Culture Department, this traveling exhibition pays tribute—from prehistory to the teddy bear—to the former king of the animals.

It is structured around three main areas:

• Bears in the Wild: A selection of artifacts and osteological specimens that showcase the great diversity of bears, past and present.
• Bears in Literature: A rich collection of works that explore the various portrayals of this animal in Western culture (children’s picture books, novels, comic books, classic texts, etc.).
• Teddy Bears: A collection of teddy bears in all shapes and colors to help you learn about the scientific process of classification and become a “teddy bearologist.”

The world of bears is at the heart of this exhibition, which invites visitors of all ages on a journey from real bears to teddy bears, punctuated by display panels featuring scientific information richly illustrated with original drawings.

Enjoy your visit as you follow in the footsteps of the bear… and the teddy bear!