Manneken pis brussels

Manneken Pis, the bronze fountain statue of a urinating boy, is one of the most iconic symbols of Brussels, Belgium.

About this subject

Manneken Pis, known in Dutch as 'Manneken Pis' (little man who pees), is a small bronze statue measuring 61 centimeters located in the historic center of Brussels, at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue des Grands Carmes. The current sculpture was created by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder in 1619, replacing an earlier stone version dating from the 15th century. The statue depicts a naked boy urinating into a basin, and its origin is surrounded by popular legends, such as one about a boy who extinguished a burning fuse by urinating on it, saving the city from a fire.

Despite its modest size, Manneken Pis has become a symbol of Brussels' irreverent and independent spirit. The statue has been stolen and damaged several times throughout history; the current version is a replica installed in 1965 after the original was stolen. The original is preserved at the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles, on the Grand Place. A peculiar tradition is Manneken Pis' wardrobe, which includes over a thousand costumes donated by institutions and personalities worldwide, changed several times a week in public ceremonies.

Manneken Pis is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city, drawing thousands of people who gather to photograph it and appreciate its characteristic humor. The statue has also inspired female versions, such as Jeanneke Pis (a squatting girl) and Zinneke (a urinating dog), both in Brussels. The cultural phenomenon extends beyond: replicas and tributes exist in many parts of the world, and Manneken Pis is often associated with freedom of expression and Belgian identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of Manneken Pis?

The most famous legend dates from the 14th century: a boy supposedly extinguished a burning fuse by urinating on it, preventing an explosion of a gunpowder depot. Another version says the statue honors the son of a duke who urinated on trees, but there is no historical consensus.

How many costumes does Manneken Pis have?

Manneken Pis' wardrobe has over a thousand costumes, including military uniforms, traditional outfits from various countries, and themed costumes. The changes occur in public ceremonies organized by the Friends of Manneken Pis association.

Does Manneken Pis function as a fountain?

Yes, the statue is a working fountain. The water stream is continuous and falls into a stone basin. During very cold days, the flow may be stopped to prevent damage from ice.