Manneken Pis: Brussels' Cheeky Icon

Manneken Pis, meaning "Little Pissing Man" in Dutch, is a landmark bronze fountain sculpture in central Brussels, depicting a naked little boy urinating into the fountain's basin. Though its existence is attested as early as the mid-15th century, the current statue was redesigned by the Brabantine sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1619. The original statue is now housed in the Brussels City Museum. Standing at 55.5 cm (21.9 in) tall, the statue has become one of the best-known symbols of Brussels and Belgium, inspiring several legends. One story tells of a young boy who saved the city by extinguishing a fire with his urine. Another tale suggests the statue commemorates a boy who relieved himself on enemy troops during a siege, demoralizing them and helping to protect the city. The Manneken Pis is regularly dressed up in costumes, with a wardrobe consisting of around one thousand different outfits. These costumes are given by various presidents and are managed by a non-profit organization. The wardrobe is exhibited in a dedicated museum called GardeRobe MannekenPis. The statue embodies the spirit of Brussels and is known for its unique form of local humor.