A urinating child is an unusual subject for a bronze statue, but in Brussels it is one of the most popular attractions in the city. At only 24 inches (61 centimeters) tall, Manneken Pis is far from Brussels’ biggest statue. What it lacks in size is offset by the joy it brings to the Belgians. The statue was originally one of many fountains around Brussels providing drinking water for local residents. Today, four centuries later, the statue has become an icon for the city. Residents regularly dress the statue in elaborate costumes to celebrate local and global holidays.
Walk just a few minutes from the town hall, down winding cobbled streets, until you reach a crossroad. As the buildings give way to a small square you’ll notice a small fountain beneath a row of colorful flags. Mannekin Pis is a modest statue, but one with great significance. Fill your bottle from his stream or wash your hands and face for a true Brussels experience.
Throughout the year the statue is adorned in brightly colored costumes. Costumes are given as gifts from nations around the world or brought out from a vast collection to celebrate holidays. The statue’s wardrobe features more than 800 outfits. Visit at Christmas to see the statue in his Santa suit. For very special occasions the locals replace his water supply with a beer keg, and beer flows freely for the people.
Take a short detour from the main attraction to visit his friend, Jeanneke Pis, a female version of the famous statue.
Manneken Pis is located in central Brussels and can be reached on foot from many downtown hotels. Visitors arriving by metro can arrive at the statue via the Central Station. There is some paid street parking in the area. Visit Mannekin Pis at any time. There is no fee.
