Mouse, Elephant and Duck
Orange, blue, and yellow: On your walk through Cologne’s city centre, you’ll encounter three of German television’s most famous characters outside the WDR building. The ensemble features the Mouse alongside the Little Elephant and the Duck. It serves as a reminder that Cologne is the home of “Sendung mit der Maus” and is one of the city’s most popular photo spots.
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 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.
The figures outside the WDR building bring Cologne’s television history to life. As you explore the city, it’s worth stopping here for a souvenir photo, eye-to-eye with these three TV favourites.
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 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 7 March 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 a first name—she’s simply “the Mouse.”The figures outside the WDR building bring Cologne’s television history to life. As you explore the city, it’s worth stopping here for a souvenir photo, eye-to-eye with these three TV favourites.
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 figures are located outside the WDR’s Vierscheibenhaus building, close to Cologne Cathedral and the central station. The nearest stop is Appellhofplatz, which you can easily reach on KVB lines 3, 4, 5, 16 and 18.
