Teddy Bear Museum of Naples

The Teddy Bear Museum of Naples was a museum building showcasing an extensive collection of over 5,500 teddy bears arranged in themed displays. The circular structure with a central atrium allowed for various exhibition areas, including scenes depicting parades and wedding ceremonies that invited exploration.

The museum was founded in 1990 after Frances Pew Hayes received a small M&M's teddy bear from her granddaughter, which sparked the beginning of an extensive collection. This personal start grew into an established institution that attracted visitors for decades.

The museum served as a gathering place where visitors could experience a collection spanning different eras and styles of teddy bears cherished by collectors and families alike. Regular events brought together enthusiasts who shared a passion for these beloved toys and their cultural history.

Access to the museum was straightforward with the interior designed for visitors to move through the various exhibition areas. Plan to spend time exploring the individual themed displays and details within the extensive collection.

North Collier Hospital purchased the museum intending to integrate it into a children's hospital, yet this ambitious plan never came to fruition. The collection remained a standalone museum rather than becoming part of a larger medical facility.