Founded at the St. Louis Galleria Mall by Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop has become a make-your-own teddy bear phenomenon, with hundreds of locations around the world.
“Once in a generation, an idea is so impactful it touches the hearts of millions around the world, even transforming the way we think about shopping,” says the Build-A-Bear website. “Well, Maxine Clark had an idea like that. Maxine envisioned an interactive retail destination where kids could bring their own furry friends to life.”
At Build-A-Bear, guests are guided through an interactive customizing process bringing together hundreds of combinations into one fluffy stuffed friend.
Now, Attractions Magazine reports that a new Build-A-Bear Workshop—in fact, the “World’s Largest Build-A-Bear,”—is under construction at Icon Park. It’s expected to open in late summer or early fall, the coverage says.
“Build-A-Bear has shared several new details about what guests can expect inside the world’s largest Workshop during a June 2026 presentation,” writes Attractions. “An appointment-based experience on the second floor that company officials say will offer the highest level of customization Build-A-Bear has ever created. Guests will leave with a one-of-a-kind furry friend designed exclusively for them.”
You may be thinking—But wait, doesn’t Icon Park already have a Build-A-Bear? It does, but this new, and much larger, location will “serve as an upgrade from the current Build-A-Bear retail location.”
You can keep up with all things Build-A-Bear Workshop by following @buildabear on Instagram.
