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Manneken Pis: Brussels' Cheeky Icon

Meet Brussels' most famous resident: a small bronze statue with a big personality and an even bigger wardrobe. A true symbol of the city!

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Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue depicting a boy urinating into a fountain, is a beloved symbol of Brussels, embodying the city's humor and rebellious spirit. Located near the Grand Place, this quirky landmark attracts visitors from around the world.

A brief summary to Manneken Pis

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
  • Check the local calendar to see if Manneken Pis is dressed in one of his famous costumes.
  • Take a short walk to see Jeanneke Pis, the female version of Manneken Pis.
  • Visit the GardeRobe MannekenPis museum to see a selection of the statue's many costumes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Manneken Pis is located a short walk from the Grand Place. From the Grand Place, walk down the cobbled streets towards the junction of Rue du Chêne and Rue de l'Étuve. The statue is located on the corner. There is no fee to view the statue.

  • Public Transport

    The closest metro station to Manneken Pis is Brussels Central Station. From there, it is approximately a 7-minute walk to the statue. Alternatively, take bus line 33 from Bourse to Anneessens, which drops you off a short walk from Manneken Pis. A single fare is around €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A taxi from Brussels Central Station to Manneken Pis will take approximately 3 minutes and cost between €6-€8. Keep in mind that traffic can affect the travel time and cost.

  • Parking

    Parking near Manneken Pis can be challenging. Street parking is available in the area, but spaces can be difficult to find. Paid parking is enforced from 09:00 to 21:00, with rates around €2.00 for 1 hour and €5.00 for 2 hours. Several parking garages are located within walking distance, including those near Grand Place and the European Parliament. Mobypark offers options to reserve parking in advance.

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Discover more about Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis, meaning 'Little Pissing Man' in Dutch, is a bronze fountain sculpture and one of Brussels' most iconic symbols. The statue, only 55.5 cm (21.9 in) tall, depicts a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin. While a statue existed as early as the mid-15th century, the current version was created by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder in 1619. Over the centuries, Manneken Pis has evolved from a public water source to a symbol of Brussels' folklore, self-mockery, and rebellious spirit. The statue has faced numerous hazards, including theft and damage, with the original now housed in the Brussels City Museum. A replica stands in its place at the junction of Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat and Rue de l'Étuve/Stoofstraat. Manneken Pis is also famous for his extensive wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes. These outfits are often displayed to celebrate holidays and special events, and can be viewed at the GardeRobe MannekenPis museum. On special occasions, the fountain even flows with beer or wine, adding to the statue's playful charm. Several legends surround the statue, including tales of a boy saving the city from fire or urinating on enemy troops.

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