Carnival fountain

The carnival fountain created in 1913 by the Cologne artist Georg Grasegger is a dedication to the carnival.

The dancing couples depicted represent the farm labourers and maids who represent the peasantry during carnival. The putto is enthroned on the fountain, beating a drum and smoking a pipe. The pipe refers to the sponsor of the child figure, the neighbouring former tobacco factory Haus Neuerburg.

Finally, the fountain is adorned with a poem by Goethe, which reveals the poet's ambivalent relationship to the carnival activities. In the context of the fountain, Goethe's lines suggest that there is a carnival that is less orderly and tidy than the depiction of the fountain conveys and urges moderation. Even after more than 100 years, the carnival fountain embodies the question of how excessive the carnival activities can be.

Useful Information

Eligibility

  • Suitable for any weather

  • for Groups

  • for Class

  • for families

  • for individual guests

Parking facilities

The fountain is located in the centre of Cologne in the immediate vicinity of the town hall. The Rathaus stop, which can be reached by tram line 5, is the closest.

Nearby

Eine prachtvolle Blumengirlande aus Rosen, Lilien, Anemonen und anderen farbenfrohen Blüten auf dunklem Hintergrund.A magnificent flower garland of roses, lilies, anemones and other colorful blossoms on a dark background.
© Rheinisches Bildarchiv, Köln
B{L}OOMING
Exhibition
Takes place on Tue. at 6:00 AM
Neun Frauen in naturalistischen Posen beim Bad in einer Waldlandschaft, gemalt von Paul Cézanne.Nine women in naturalistic poses bathing in a forest landscape, painted by Paul Cézanne.
© Foto: Stiftung Langmatt Sidney und Jenny Brown
Swiss treasures
Exhibition
Takes place today at 7:00 AM
Jan-von-Werth-Denkmal in Köln vor der beeindruckenden Fassade eines historischen Gebäudes. Die Statue des Reiters ist detailreich gestaltet und hebt sich vor dem Hintergrund besonders hervor.Jan von Werth monument in Cologne in front of the impressive façade of a historic building. The statue of the horseman is richly detailed and stands out against the background.
© KölnTourismus, Foto: Christoph Seelbach
Of my hometown and dialect
Guided tour/tour
Takes place on 21.09 at 12:00 PM

Getting there

Carnival fountain
Gülichplatz
50667 Köln