Children's Discovery Museum Seeks Name for New Rooftop Duck

The public can vote on five finalists to name the Purple Museum's new mascot through April 20.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:35pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, hazy tones showing the silhouette of a duck perched atop a building, with blurred city lights and architecture in the background, conveying a sense of whimsy and community celebration.The Children's Discovery Museum's new rooftop mascot will soon have a name chosen by the community, adding to the joyful energy of the museum's 35th anniversary celebrations.Los Gatos Today

The Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose is asking the community to help name its new rooftop mascot, a duck that replaced the original Discovery Duck who retired to live near her grandchildren in Colorado. The museum has collected submissions and narrowed it down to five finalists - Roofus, Disco, DeeDee, Bubbles, and Violet - and the public can vote on their favorite through April 20. The winning name will be announced at the museum's 35th anniversary party on May 2.

Why it matters

The Children's Discovery Museum has been a beloved community institution in San Jose for over three decades, and engaging the public to name its new rooftop mascot is a fun way to celebrate the museum's milestone anniversary and continue building connections with local families.

The details

The original Discovery Duck, which had sat atop the Purple Museum's roof since 2005, was recently replaced after she moved to live near her grandchildren in Colorado. The museum collected name submissions earlier this year and narrowed it down to five finalists: Roofus, Disco, DeeDee, Bubbles, and Violet. Community members can vote on their favorite through April 20, and the winning name will be announced at the museum's 35th anniversary party on May 2.

  • The original Discovery Duck retired and moved to Colorado earlier this year.
  • Name submissions were collected earlier this year.
  • The public can vote on the five finalists through April 20, 2026.
  • The winning name will be announced at the museum's 35th anniversary party on May 2, 2026.

The players

Children's Discovery Museum

A beloved children's museum in San Jose, California that is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Marilee Jennings

The longtime executive director of the Children's Discovery Museum who recently retired, mirroring the retirement plan of the original Discovery Duck mascot.

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What they’re saying

“Ever since I saw 'Dear Evan Hansen' in January 2019 in New York City, the show has had a profound impact on my life, and actually led to some legislative advocacy on mental health instruction in schools.”

— Chris Miller, Educator and mental health coordinator for CMT San Jose's production of 'Dear Evan Hansen'

What’s next

The public can vote on the five finalist names for the new rooftop duck through April 20, 2026. The winning name will be announced at the Children's Discovery Museum's 35th anniversary party on May 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The Children's Discovery Museum's new rooftop duck naming contest is a fun way for the San Jose community to get involved in celebrating the museum's 35-year legacy and help choose a new mascot that will represent the museum for years to come.