While washing the dishes, the idea came to him, it is said. When he held the teaspoons under the tap, Wolfgang Göddertz imagined how it could all look in gigantic size: water coming from nozzles and forming into spheres in the curve. In March 1970, the metal sculptor completed the model for the Ebertplatz fountain and won the race among four applicants. Göddertz's design was unique, without precedent worldwide. Fountain, sculpture, water playground at the same time. In 1977, the nine-meter-high artwork stood: At that time, it was the first fountain that was walkable and experienceable at ground level.
For cost-saving reasons, this "water-kinetic sculpture" remained dry for over 15 years. Until Cologne finally took heart in 2018, invested 230,000 euros, and brought the shamefully neglected artwork back to life. Since then, 18,000 liters of water have flowed daily from spring until autumn through the mushroom-like plates on long metal rods. On hot days, the fountain turns into a giant shower. No one doubts anymore that the investment was worth it. In line with this, students from RWTH Aachen have mounted wooden decks on two of the flower beds enclosed in concrete, which are ready for resting, sunbathing, and picnicking. There is also a gastronomy container that serves mulled wine in winter and sets up sun loungers in summer.
The fountain is just one element among many that revitalize the long-neglected square in the depression between the train station area and Agnesviertel. Various initiatives, residents, and working groups have worked together with the city of Cologne to bring the Ebertplatz out of obscurity. Various events help as well: concerts, exhibitions, tours. The whole thing is called "interim use," as larger renovation measures and redesigns are planned in the long term.
For more on the cultural program at Ebertplatz, click here.
