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Belgium Brussels Central Brussels Statue

Manneken Pis

About

Just a few steps from the Grand Place, Manneken Pis is one of Brussels’ most beloved and quirky icons. This small bronze statue of a urinating boy, created by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder in 1619, has become a symbol of the city’s irreverent spirit and sense of humour. Though only 55.5 cm tall, Manneken Pis has a towering reputation, inspiring countless legends—most famously, that he saved the city by extinguishing a fuse with his urine during a siege. Originally part of the city’s water distribution system, the statue has evolved into a folkloric figure with a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes, regularly changed to mark special occasions. The original sculpture is preserved in the Museum of the City of Brussels, while a replica continues to delight passersby at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne. Manneken Pis is more than a fountain—it’s a cheeky emblem of Brussels’ identity, blending history, humour, and a touch of rebellion in one unforgettable figure.

Brussels Belgium
Manneken Pis
Location

Manneken Pis is located in central Brussels at the junction of Rue de l'Étuve (Stoofstraat) and Rue du Chêne (Eikstraat), just a five-minute walk from the Grand Place. This famous 17th-century bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain has become one of the most beloved and quirky symbols of Brussels, celebrated for its playful spirit and local legends. The area surrounding Manneken Pis is lively and filled with attractions: the Grand Place, with its ornate guildhalls and Town Hall, is just around the corner, while the Museum of the City of Brussels (in the King's House on the Grand Place) displays the statue’s original version and an extensive wardrobe of costumes. The GardeRobe MannekenPis museum, located on the same street as the statue, showcases over a thousand outfits worn by Manneken Pis for various festivities. The neighborhood is also home to bustling cafés, chocolate shops, and souvenir stores, making it a vibrant stop for visitors exploring Brussels’ historic core.

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