Maus and Friends Ensemble
Orange, blue, and yellow: In front of the WDR building, you’ll encounter three of German television’s most famous characters. The “Maus und Freunde” ensemble features the Mouse alongside the Little Elephant and the Duck—and serves as a reminder that Cologne is the home of “Sendung mit der Maus.”
Since 1971, the show—produced by Westdeutscher Rundfunk—has been explaining to viewers of all ages how the world works. Its famous mix of comedy and educational segments makes even complicated topics easy to understand and entertaining. The Mouse herself gets by without saying a single word: with a twinkle in her eye, her characteristic eyelash flutter, and plenty of curiosity, she has nonetheless become one of Germany’s most beloved television characters.
The Mouse was designed by artist Isolde Schmitt-Menzel, and her first animated appearances were brought to life by Friedrich Streich. Later, the little blue elephant and the yellow duck joined the cast. Together, they form an unlikely but unmistakable trio.
Did you know?
When the show first aired on March 7, 1971, it was still called “Lach- und Sachgeschichten für Fernsehanfänger” (Laughter and Fact Stories for TV Beginners). It didn’t get its current name until 1972. Incidentally, the Mouse still doesn’t have an official name—she’s simply “the Mouse.”
The ensemble in front of the WDR building is a charming piece of Cologne’s television history. So if you’re passing by, it’s worth taking a quick break to stand eye-to-eye with these three famous Cologne media personalities.
Since 1971, the show—produced by Westdeutscher Rundfunk—has been explaining to viewers of all ages how the world works. Its famous mix of comedy and educational segments makes even complicated topics easy to understand and entertaining. The Mouse herself gets by without saying a single word: with a twinkle in her eye, her characteristic eyelash flutter, and plenty of curiosity, she has nonetheless become one of Germany’s most beloved television characters.
The Mouse was designed by artist Isolde Schmitt-Menzel, and her first animated appearances were brought to life by Friedrich Streich. Later, the little blue elephant and the yellow duck joined the cast. Together, they form an unlikely but unmistakable trio.
Did you know?
When the show first aired on March 7, 1971, it was still called “Lach- und Sachgeschichten für Fernsehanfänger” (Laughter and Fact Stories for TV Beginners). It didn’t get its current name until 1972. Incidentally, the Mouse still doesn’t have an official name—she’s simply “the Mouse.”
The ensemble in front of the WDR building is a charming piece of Cologne’s television history. So if you’re passing by, it’s worth taking a quick break to stand eye-to-eye with these three famous Cologne media personalities.
Good to know
Eligibility
for Groups
for Class
for families
for individual guests
Pet allowed
Suitable for the Elderly
Payment methods
- Entrance Free
Directions & Parking facilities
- The Mouse statue is located at the WDR's Vierscheibenhaus close to the cathedral and the main railway station. The nearest stop is Appellhofplatz, which can be easily reached by KVB lines 3, 4, 5, 16 and 18.
