Manneken Pis

Brussels has a thing with peeing statues, and Manneken Pis is definitely the most famous one. Standing on a socle in the Rue de l’Étuve, at a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, this naked little boy is peeing as a full-time job. In order to do this in style, he’s regularly dressed up in different costumes that refer to people or events… You can check out his full wardrobe in the museum GardeRobe Manneke Pis further up the Rue du Chêne. Their website also features an online wardrobe where you can flick through all his outfits. With over than 900 suits, he’s quite a fashion addict….

You might be wondering why Belgians take so much pride in this little peeing boy. The truth is… nobody really knows. Various legends are going around to explain his historical origin, among which the most famous one relates how a little boy was standing on the city wall and peed on a burning gunpowder fuse, thereby saving the city from a massive explosion. What a hero!

With his 61 centimeters in height, this bronze little hero also embodies the Brussels sense of humor and independence of mind.

Practical information

• Where to find him? At the junction of Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat and the pedestrian Rue de l'Étuve/Stoofstraat.
• More information about his costumes on the GardeRobe Manneke Pis website. The address is Rue du Chêne 16. The entrance fee sets you back 4 EUR.

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