第一次世界大戦中の1914年、カナダ軍の獣医ハリー・コルバーン中尉は、欧州西部戦線に派兵される途中、オンタリオ州ホワイトリバーで小熊を売る猟師に出会いました。母熊をしとめた猟師には、その雌の小熊は不要だったのです。 孤児の小熊を哀れに思った中尉は＄20で買い取りました。 中尉は18歳の時に英国からカナダに移民。第二の故郷となったマニトバ州ウィニペグの名前を小熊につけます。ウィニーと呼ばれた小熊は中尉とともに大西洋を渡り、英国ソールズベリー平原に駐屯する騎馬旅団のマスコットになりました。非番時に小熊と遊ぶ兵士の写真が多数残っています。 しかし1914年12月には、フランスの前線に移動するよう部隊に命令が下り、中尉はウィニーをロンドン動物園に委託します。1918年の戦争終結後、動物園を訪ね、すっかり人気者となったウィニーを見て、中尉は園に寄付することにしました。 1924年、作家アラン・ミルンが幼い息子クリストファーとともにロンドン動物園を訪れます。クリストファーはウィニーの大ファンになり、頻繁に園に来ては、ウィニーに真っ先に会いに行きました。飼育係と一緒に、ウィニーに直接コンデンスミルクをあげたこともあったそうです。 1926年、熊のウィニーと、息子がどこに行くにも連れ歩いているテディベアから着想を得て、ミルンはくまのプーさんの物語を出版しました。熊のウィニーは1934年に20歳で天に召されました。ハリー・コルバーン中尉は、ウィニペグで動物病院を開業。1947年に亡くなるまで、くまのプーさんの作家として地元で有名だったようです。

neat little museum housing some black and white photos of the Canadian soldier who brought the little black bear cub to England. thus starting the story of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. Neat piece of history and its free admission. Great place to take non Winnipeggers to show the origin of the delightful children's book character

I thought it would be more so I was disappointed. Then again I'm not sure what I was expecting. It was an interesting side visit as we were in the area for the day. Loved seeing the real pictures of Winnie. We were there for about 20 minutes.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful exhibit of Pooh's history. The space is small, but shows Winnie's history and how it all began. Highly recommended for Winnie's fans and just those who want to know more about the bear that made us smile.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait

Free and charming but extremely small - just a couple of little rooms with artifacts of the characters' inception. Small children won't be entertained for more than a few minutes but adults and teenagers will greatly enjoy the other free art galleries.

Very informative and interactive. As someone who grew up with the stories, cartoons and figurines, the history of the story touching the place I reside is priceless.

I have loved Winnie the Pooh since I was a little girl. This made my day! It was spectacular! I loved it!! I will always remember this little museum forever!!

Great little museum that explains the origins of Winnie the Pooh. It’s great to understand that Winnie was a real bear. I highly recommend that museum.

Very interesting place. Wish it was even bigger but for what and where it's located, I was happy with it. It's on the second floor and free to visit.

Pictures looked awesome. Should display on google or website that you are required to have PROOF of double vaccines to get in! Go Winnie the POO

Really worth it to visit. Clam place to read and watch for a long time. And there’s lot’s of attractions for kids

Great museum, although I ended up having to explain to my child how Winnie doesn't live in Winnipeg anymore.

Small but very nice
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great exhibit on the Pooh Bear. When I went, however, it was strangely humid and gross feeling!

Small exhibition, but it's free and something to check out if you're a fan.

Pooh pooh pooh all the time. If you like Winnie the Pooh if is a must see.

What day is today? Today is the day we visit the Pooh gallery...

The famous Winnie the Pooh... Finally, I had a meeting with him.

Amazing exhibit. Loved the other galleries there as well.

Awesome and peaceful place

Aaaahhhhhh so interesting

Put Winnipeg on the map

It's fun for the kids

Tiny but very cute!

A Hidden Gem

Its winnipeg

Beatiful