Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's "Dropped Cone" is a distinctive sculpture that stands as a playful yet thought-provoking monument in the heart of Cologne, Germany. Installed on the roof of the Neumarkt-Galerie, a shopping center, in 2001, the sculpture embodies an oversized, upside-down ice cream cone. Its presence is a visual spectacle that blends humor with critique, characteristic of Oldenburg and van Bruggen's approach to public art.

The sculpture was conceptualized to symbolize a "cornucopia of consumerism" and serves as a "sign of transience," reflecting on the fleeting nature of consumer goods and desires​ (NRW Skulptur)​. This theme is particularly poignant given the sculpture's setting atop a temple of consumerism—the shopping mall. The choice of an ice cream cone, an ephemeral treat often associated with pleasure and leisure, further accentuates the transient theme while engaging directly with the commercial environment of its location.

"Dropped Cone" also creates a dialogue with its urban context by referencing Cologne's distinctive architectural landscape. The sculpture's inverted form and its position high above the ground draw a parallel with the city's towering church spires, thereby framing the Neumarkt-Galerie as a modern-day cathedral of commerce. The artists drew inspiration from the myriad of ice cream-shaped signs adorning local shops, flipping the familiar image to create a striking visual anomaly​ (NRW Skulptur)​.

Beyond its critical commentary, "Dropped Cone" is celebrated for its whimsical, playful quality. Oldenburg and van Bruggen are known for their monumental sculptures of everyday objects, and this work continues that tradition with a blend of pop art sensibility and architectural integration. The sculpture's vivid presence in the urban landscape serves as a reminder of the joy and absurdity in everyday life, inviting onlookers to ponder the cultural and commercial forces that shape public spaces.

The collaborative efforts of Oldenburg and van Bruggen have frequently resulted in works that challenge and enchant, with "Dropped Cone" standing as a testament to their ability to transform ordinary objects into sources of wonder and reflection​ (ELEPHANT)​​ (Sartle)​.