The newest exhibition at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) has its roots set firmly in Winnipeg.
“Remembering the Real Winnie,” which officially opened Monday at the APC, tells the story of the city’s most famous literary character, Winnie the Pooh.
It’s all done through the eyes of the man who was responsible for bringing the original Winnie, a female black bear that the fictional bear was named after, to London during the First World War.
Many personal items of the Canadian soldier, Harry Colebourn, are on display at the free exhibit, including photographs and diaries.
“We’re so pleased to have this exhibition here at The Pavilion in Assiniboine Park where it can be enjoyed by thousands of Winnipeggers and tourists alike,” said APC’s director of business development, Trevor Clearwater, in a release.
“Given the history of Winnie the bear and our city, this is a natural fit.”
Colebourn adopted, transported, and donated Winnie to the London Zoo in 1918. That’s where A.A. Milne, who authored the novels about Winnie, discovered her.
The exhibit is in “The Pooh Gallery” area of the pavilion. It runs daily at the APC from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.