Manneken Pis, meaning 'Little Pisser' in Dutch, is a landmark 61 cm (24 in) bronze sculpture in the centre of Brussels (Belgium), depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin. It was designed by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1618 or 1619. The current statue is a replica which dates from 1965. The original is kept in the Museum of the City of Brussels. Manneken Pis is the best-known symbol of the people of Brussels. It also embodies their sense of humour (called zwanze in the dialect of Brussels) and their independence of mind. There are several legends behind Manneken Pis, but the most famous is the one about Duke Godfrey III of Leuven. In 1142, the troops of this two-year-old lord were battling against the troops of the Berthouts, the lords of Grimbergen, in Ransbeke (now Neder-Over-Heembeek). The troops put the infant lord in a basket and hung the basket in a tree to encourage them. From there, the boy urinated on the troops of the Berthouts, who eventually lost the battle. Manneken Pis is dressed in costumes several times each week, according to a published schedule, which is posted on the railings around the fountain.
Visitor Info
Rating
★ 4.0 20,000 reviews
Visit Time
~10 min
Best Time
Any time, but early morning is calmer
Insider Tips
- · Do not expect a long stop, the appeal is mostly the icon status
- · Check the costume schedule if you want to see him dressed up
- · It is easy to combine with the Grand Place area
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Manneken Pis made and who sculpted it? ▾
The current bronze statue was cast in 1619 by sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder, replacing an older stone version that dated back to at least the 14th century.
Why is a urinating boy the symbol of Brussels? ▾
Several legends surround it — one says a boy urinated on a burning fuse to save the city hall from explosion; it more broadly represents Brussels' irreverent, anti-authoritarian spirit known locally as 'zinneke.'
Has the statue ever been stolen? ▾
Yes, it was stolen twice — by British soldiers in 1745 and by French soldiers in 1747 — and each time returned; the King of France gifted it an elaborate costume as an apology, starting the costume tradition.
Where does the water go? ▾
On special festival days the statue is connected to a supply of beer rather than water, and nearby bars hand out free samples — check the Brussels tourism calendar for these events.
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Manneken Pis — offline map & tips