Trude Herr, a name synonymous with Cologne’s spirit. This park carries her legacy. The Trude-Herr-Park, a green oasis, stands near Buergerhaus Stollwerck.
Once, this area was part of the Stollwerck chocolate factory. Production ended in the mid-1970s. An alternative art scene emerged. Disputes over the area’s redesign led to the “Stollwerck occupation” in 1980.
After the area was cleared, most buildings were demolished in 1987. A new residential area with recreational spaces was built.
Trude Herr, the famous comedian and singer, has strong ties to Cologne. Though her song says, “Ich will keine Schokolade,” the park’s name is fitting. The park was named Trude-Herr-Park on February 16, 1995. She worked in Cologne’s Südstadt for many years.
In 2002, a monument to Trude Herr was erected here. Initially, it lacked protective glazing. It began to decay. The local Trude Herr Fanclub helped restore it in 2012 and 2013. The metal sculpture shows Trude in three typical poses. It represents her as an actress, singer, and dreamy woman.
The monument bears an inscription in Kölsch. It says, “Mir verjesse Dich nit!” meaning “We will not forget you!”. A bronze plaque also commemorates Trude Herr. It’s located a few hundred meters away. It marks the former Kino Rhenania-Filmbühne. She ran her Volkstheater there from 1977 to 1986. It was called “im Vringsveedel”. “Vrings” is short for Severin, the district’s patron saint.
The Trude-Herr-Park covers about 7,000 square meters. A nearby kindergarten also uses it. A playing field and basketball court border the park and community center. The park is a place of recreation and remembrance. It honors a beloved Cologne personality. It also marks the area’s industrial past. Take a moment to reflect on Trude Herr’s impact here in Trude-Herr-Park.