The Big Blue bear

You’ve arrived at one of Denver’s most beloved and unmistakable sights, the 40 feet, or 12-meter tall Big Blue Bear, peeking into the glass wall of the Colorado Convention Center. The sculpture’s official name is I See What You Mean, a playful and fitting phrase, just like the bear’s wide-eyed stare. Installed in 2005, the piece was created by Lawrence Argent, an Australian-born artist who lived and worked in Denver. He aimed to bridge the divide between the inside and outside of the convention center, often seen as cold or closed-off, by adding a touch of whimsy and surprise. What better figure to do that than a bear? It's one of Colorado’s most iconic animals, a nod to nature, curiosity, and the unexpected. The sculpture is made of blue resin, its surface pieced together like a giant geometric puzzle. Denver fell in love with it almost instantly. Locals dress it up for sports games, use it as a meeting point, and snap photos from every angle. So go ahead, say hello, snap a selfie, and get to know Denver’s quirkiest mascot.