Teddy Bear Museum of Naples, Teddy bear museum in Naples, Florida, United States.
The Teddy Bear Museum of Naples was a museum in Naples, Florida, that housed a collection of over 5,500 teddy bears arranged in themed displays. The building had a circular shape with a central atrium, and the exhibits included scenes like parades and wedding ceremonies set up throughout the space.
The museum opened in 1990 after Frances Pew Hayes received a small teddy bear from her granddaughter, which set off a growing collection. What began as a personal hobby became a public institution that welcomed visitors for decades.
The museum drew collectors and families who came to see bears from many decades and styles all in one place. Regular events brought together people who shared a love for these toys, making it a meeting point for generations of enthusiasts.
The museum had a straightforward layout that made it easy to move through the themed areas at your own pace. Giving yourself enough time to look at the individual scenes and smaller details made for a more rewarding visit.
North Collier Hospital once bought the museum with plans to turn it into part of a children's hospital, but that plan never moved forward. The collection ended up staying as a standalone museum rather than becoming part of a medical building.
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