There is a misconception that museums are boring spaces stuffed with dusty relics. While some museums probably do go along with the times, others are already exploring ways to teach history while staying interesting. One such museum has to be Penang’s Teddyville Museum.
You would never guess that this museum is located within a hotel, specifically the DoubleTree Resort in Batu Ferringhi. Then again, there are quite a few road signs directing you here, so an educated guess is not out of the question.
Teddyville Museum, for young & old
Image Credit: Xiao Hui on Google Review (Left), Wong Kimseng on Google Review (Right)
The museum has been around since 2017. As one can guess, it is a museum themed around adorable teddy bears. It is home to about a thousand stuffed toys, ranging from miniatures to life-sized ones.
So, this museum surely must be one for kids, then? While that is arguably the case, the museum actually holds educational value even for older folks. What better way to prove this than by visiting the museum yourself?
A cute & legit museum
Image Credit: Kar Lip Ooi on Google Review
The 9000 square feet museum is Malaysia’s first and only teddy bear museum, making it an interesting visit for both locals and tourists. Teddyville Museum’s bears are often arranged in diorama sets highlighting Penang’s culture and history.
Of course, this also means that these insights into the past are particularly adorable. At present, tickets to the Teddyville Museum cost RM39 for adults and RM29 for children and seniors. Tour services are also available, but you are free to go exploring yourself.
The origin of teddies
Image Credit: Miewsim on Google Review (Left), Goh Hwui Yean on Google Review (Right)
The first part of the Teddyville Museum is dedicated to the story of the teddy bear itself. Have you ever wondered where the “teddy” part of the name comes from? It comes from an incident involving Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th American president.
According to the story, Roosevelt had been on a hunting trip when he declined to shoot a bear that had been caught for him. The story hit the press, and a candymaker made stuffed bears in light of the event. These were the first teddy bears, which would become popular children’s toys.
Penang’s history, but with bears
Image Credit: Ritthisak Thapniwat on Google Review (Left), Eric Tang on Google Review (Right)
After this section, you will be told the story of Penang, starting with the arrival of Sir Francis Light on the island in 1786. It is quite amusing, seeing teddy bears reenacting this historical event. There is a certain charm to it, though, which is impressive for an educational display.
Charming displays
Image Credit: Johnson IF Collection on Google Review
The rest of the museum is of a similar fashion. There are many dioramas and sets featuring teddy bear Penangites in historical as well as everyday scenes. For Penangites visiting the place for the first time, it is a good way to have a chuckle at one’s own expense.
After all, what’s not to love about a life-sized teddy bear cooking char kway teow? Or noticing a little tourist bear photographing hawkers at the morning market? Or watching exhausted teddy bears fall over themselves during the Penang Bridge International Marathon?
Role models
Image Credit: Nancy on Google Review (Left), Lena Ong on Google Review (Right)
There are also life-sized teddy bear versions of famous Penangites scattered throughout the museum. These include Nicole David, Lee Chong Wei and Jimmy Choo. Since you aren’t going to ever meet these folks in the flesh, might as well take photos with their cuddly counterparts!
Gift shops
Image Credit: Alina Rai on Google Review (Left), Feri Irawan on Google Review (Right)
At the end of the museum is a gift shop where you can buy well-made teddy bears, with a price tag to match. Kids can also build their own bear to bring home, if they so wish. While they are busy, try your luck at the few claw machines there.
Worth your time?
Overall, the Teddyville Museum is worth a visit, whether you are young or young at heart. Adorable as the teddy bears are, the museum still presents a surprisingly detailed depiction of Penang’s history. Who said museums can’t be cute or charming?
Teddyville Museum
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily
Contact: 04-8900535
You should also check out: Did you know this Penang shophouse is where Dr. Sun Yat-Sen planned to make modern China?
Feature Image Credit: Teddyville Museum on Google Review
