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Manneken Pis
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monument
Manneken Pis is a small bronze fountain sculpture depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels and embodies the city's rebellious spirit and sense of humor. The original stone version likely dates back to the 15th century, but it was replaced in 1619 by the current bronze statue designed by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder. Standing at only 61 centimeters tall, it is located at the junction of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne, near the Grand Place. Throughout history, the statue has been stolen and damaged multiple times, most recently in 1965, after which the original was moved to the Brussels City Museum for protection. A unique tradition involves dressing the statue in different outfits; Manneken Pis now possesses a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Manneken Pis · FrietMuseum · Hôtel de Roest d'Alkemade
- Nearby: Grimbergen (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Manneken Pis statue stands on a street corner in Brussels and is freely accessible at all times. It can be viewed from the outside only, with no interior to enter.
Typical hours
As a public monument, there are no fixed visiting hours - it is visible 24/7. The statue is dressed up on special occasions, which are announced in advance.
Photography
Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions. Due to its central location, the best shots are taken early morning or late evening when fewer people are around.
Time needed
A quick visit takes only 5-10 minutes as the statue is on a small pedestal. Allow an extra 15-20 minutes for photos and exploring the surroundings.
Combine with
The statue is a few minutes' walk from the Grand Place (Grote Markt), which is a must-see. Also nearby is the Brussels City Museum (Broodhuis).
Getting there
The statue is at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue des Grands Carmes, easily reachable on foot from the city center. The nearest metro stations are Bourse (lines 1, 5) and De Brouckère (lines 1, 5).
Insider tip
Check if the statue is wearing a traditional costume - it changes frequently and is listed on Brussels' city calendar. Visit early in the morning to avoid selfie queues.
Geography
Facts
- The current bronze statue was created in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder.
- The sculpture stands at a height of exactly 61 centimeters.
- The statue was stolen in 1965 and later found in two pieces in a canal.
- The 1619 original is now housed in the Brussels City Museum (Maison du Roi).
- The statue's wardrobe consists of more than 1,000 different costumes.
- A female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis, was established nearby in 1987.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Manneken Pis (10)
GardeRobe MannekenPis🏛 museum
Museum displaying the costumes of Manneken-Pis.
Grâce
Gallery in Brussels.
Studio 84
Gallery in Brussels.
Cabaret Mademoiselle
Theatre in Brussels.
Roelens Art Foundation
Gallery in Brussels.
Église Notre-Dame de Bon Secours - Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Goede Bijstandkerk
Church in Brussels, Belgium.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the statue located?
At the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne, about a 5-minute walk from Grand-Place.
Is the statue really that small?
Yes, the bronze statue is only about 61 centimeters tall, which surprises many visitors.
Is he dressed up often?
Yes, he wears different costumes for various occasions (over 1000 in his collection).
Where can you see his costumes?
In the GardeRobe MannekenPis museum near the statue, many of his outfits are on display.
Is there also a female statue?
Yes, Jeanneke Pis is located near Rue des Bouchers in a small cul-de-sac.
Manneken Pis: where is it located?
Manneken Pis is located in Belgium.
Manneken Pis: what is there to see?
Highlights include Manneken Pis, FrietMuseum, Hôtel de Roest d'Alkemade.
Manneken Pis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Manneken Pis: why is it worth visiting?
Manneken Pis is a small bronze fountain sculpture depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin.
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