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Manneken Pis: Brussels' Cheeky Icon

Discover the charm of Brussels' most famous little statue, a symbol of the city's humor and rebellious spirit, located near the Grand Place.

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Manneken Pis, a small bronze fountain sculpture of a boy urinating, is a beloved symbol of Brussels, representing the city's rebellious spirit and sense of humor. Located near the Grand Place, the statue has a rich history dating back to the 15th century and a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes.

A brief summary to Manneken Pis

Local tips

  • Check the official schedule to see if Manneken Pis is dressed in costume during your visit.
  • Visit the GardeRobe MannekenPis to see the statue's extensive wardrobe collection.
  • Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
  • Take a short walk to see Jeanneke Pis, the female version of Manneken Pis.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Manneken Pis is located a short walk from the Grand Place. From the Grand Place, take the exit on the left of the Town Hall and walk two blocks. The statue is located at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest metro station to Manneken Pis is Gare Centrale. From Gare Centrale, it is a short walk to the statue. Alternatively, bus lines 48, 95, N04, N05, N09, N10, N11, and N12 stop at the Plattesteen bus stop, which is close to Manneken Pis. A single fare for public transportation in Brussels is approximately €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Brussels. A taxi ride from Brussels Central Station to Manneken Pis is approximately €7-€10 and takes about 4 minutes.

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Discover more about Manneken Pis

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 statue was redesigned by Brabantine sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1619. The current replica has been on display since 1965, with the original safely stored in the Brussels City Museum. Standing at approximately 55.5 cm (21.9 inches) tall, Manneken Pis is located at the junction of Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat and Rue de l'Étuve/Stoofstraat, a short walk from the Grand-Place. The statue has become one of the best-known symbols of Brussels and Belgium, inspiring several legends and numerous imitations. Over the centuries, Manneken Pis has evolved from a simple public fountain to an emblem of Brussels folklore and the city's capacity for self-mockery. The statue is regularly dressed up in costumes, with a wardrobe consisting of around one thousand different outfits, which are exhibited in a dedicated museum called GardeRobe MannekenPis. The tradition of dressing the statue dates back to 1698. There are several legends surrounding the Manneken Pis. One story claims that a little boy extinguished a fire with his urine, thus saving the city from being burnt down. Another legend tells of a young boy who was hung from a tree during a battle and urinated on the enemy troops, leading to their defeat. Manneken Pis embodies the spirit of Brussels, known for its unique form of local humor.

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