Manneken pis brussels

Manneken Pis is the iconic bronze statue of a urinating boy, a symbol of Brussels' irreverent spirit.

About this subject

Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue, 61 centimeters tall, located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. Created in 1619 by sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder, it depicts a naked boy urinating into a basin. The original statue was stolen multiple times, and the current one is a replica from 1965.

The origin of the statue is surrounded by legends. The most famous story tells of a boy named Julianske who extinguished a bomb fuse with urine, saving the city from an explosion. Another legend says a lost son of a wealthy merchant was found urinating in a garden, and the father had the statue made in gratitude. Regardless of the version, Manneken Pis has become one of Brussels bestknown symbols.

The statue has a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes, changed regularly in special ceremonies. The costumes represent professions, countries, historical events, and even cartoon characters. The oldest costume dates back to 1747, donated by Maximilian III of Bavaria. Manneken Pis is often dressed to celebrate holidays or honor visiting dignitaries.

Beyond being a tourist attraction, the statue embodies the irreverent humor and independent spirit of the Belgian people. It has inspired similar statues worldwide, such as Jeanneke Pis (a girl) and Zinneke Pis (a dog), both in Brussels. Manneken Pis is so iconic that its image appears on souvenirs, Tshirts, and even contemporary artworks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the actual size of Manneken Pis?

The statue is only 61 centimeters tall, including the pedestal.

How many costumes does Manneken Pis have?

The statue's wardrobe contains over 1,000 costumes, many donated by countries and institutions.

Why is Manneken Pis so famous?

Besides being a historic symbol of Brussels since 1619, the statue is famous for its irreverent humor and frequent costume changes, attracting tourists from around the world.