Is that a smile? Look closely at the Kröte aus Beton sculpture. You can almost see a mischievous grin on its face. Perched here on the terrace of the Inselcafé, the Kröte aus Beton, or “Concrete Toad” in English, might seem like an unlikely sight. Yet, this whimsical creature holds a special place in the heart of Potsdam. This isn’t just any toad, you see. This Kröte aus Beton was crafted in 1987 by the artist Rainer Sperl. It was originally part of a playful trio, alongside a concrete bird and a concrete worm, over at a nearby playground. When the city was preparing for the Bundesgartenschau, a national horticultural show, in 2001, the Freundschaftsinsel underwent a transformation. During this revamp, the Kröte aus Beton, along with its feathered friend, found a new home here. Sadly, the concrete worm didn’t survive the move. You might notice that the toad’s blue features, like its wide-open mouth, bulging eyes, and bumpy back warts, stand out against its gray concrete skin. That’s because those elements are actually colored ceramic pieces, carefully added for a whimsical touch. Don’t be fooled by the toad’s imposing figure. Sperl designed this sculpture with playfulness in mind. Its broad back is perfect for climbing, its colorful warts make for easy grips, and its gaping maw? Well, that’s a slide just waiting to happen. The Kröte aus Beton might be a relatively new addition to Potsdam’s artistic landscape, but its charm and humor have already cemented its place as a beloved landmark.
Rote Villa
Why is it called the *Rote Villa*, you might wonder, as you stand before this striking building? Well, its nickname,