Manneken pis brussels

Manneken Pis, the small bronze statue of a urinating boy, is one of Brussels' most iconic symbols, boasting centuries of history and tradition.

About this subject

Manneken Pis, located at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne, is a bronze statue standing about 61 centimeters tall, created in 1619 by Flemish sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy. The artwork depicts a naked boy urinating into a fountain, and its origin is shrouded in legends. One popular tale suggests that the son of a duke was lost during a procession and found urinating on the spot; another claims that a boy extinguished the fuse of an enemy bomb by urinating on it, saving Brussels. The original statue was replaced by a replica in 1965 after theft and damage; the original is housed in the GardeRobe MannekenPis, a museum dedicated to its vast collection of costumes.

Manneken Pis boasts over a thousand costumes, donated by various entities and countries, and is regularly dressed in special ceremonies. The outfits range from football club jerseys to military uniforms and traditional attire from nations, such as a Japanese kimono or a Brazilian gaucho costume. The tradition of dressing the statue dates back to the 18th century, when the governor of the Austrian Netherlands donated the first costume. Today, the dressing schedule is publicly announced and attracts tourists who watch the costume changes.

Beyond its tourist fame, Manneken Pis symbolizes the irreverent and humorous spirit of Brussels. It has a sister, Jeanneke Pis (created in 1987), and a dog, Zinneke Pis (1998). The statue has been vandalized and stolen over the centuries, including an incident where it was broken and rebuilt. In 1747, King Louis XV of France, after French soldiers damaged the statue, awarded it the Order of Saint Louis and presented it with a brocade costume, solidifying the tradition of gifting garments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous story behind Manneken Pis?

The best-known legend says that a boy saved Brussels by urinating on the fuse of an enemy bomb, extinguishing it and preventing an explosion. Another version claims the statue honors a duke's son who was found urinating on the spot.

How many costumes does Manneken Pis have?

Currently, Manneken Pis has over a thousand costumes, which are changed regularly. The collection includes football club jerseys, traditional attire from various countries, and military uniforms, among others.

Is Manneken Pis the only statue of its kind in Brussels?

No, it has a female counterpart called Jeanneke Pis (created in 1987) and a canine version called Zinneke Pis (1998), all located in tourist spots of the city.