Winged Rhino

The winged rhinoceros is the unofficial mascot of Dortmund, highly visible as colorful statues throughout the city.

Originally created in the year 2000, it was designed for the opening of the Konzerthaus Dortmund. The symbolism combines two ideas: rhinoceroses have an incredibly sharp sense of hearing (perfect for a concert hall), while the wings — inspired by the mythical Pegasus — represent the soaring heights and weightlessness of art and music.

The rhinos became a cultural phenomenon during a massive public art event in 2005 and 2006. Local businesses, sports clubs, and artists customized over 120 life-sized plastic statues. Today, these vibrant sculptures remain a staple of the city's identity, standing outside shops, municipal buildings, and public squares.