A curiously famous landmark, Manneken Pis depicts a small bronze boy urinating into a fountain. The history behind the statue is contested, with several different legends surrounding the naked boy. Brussels artist Jerome Duquesnoy designed the sculpture in 1619, but because of many thefts over the years, the original statute today sits in the Maison du Roi/Broodhuis in Grand Place. Just a short walk from the main square, you'll know you're getting close when the souvenir shops feature larger-than-life versions of the landmark sculpture. At only 61 cm (24 in), this small sculpture has garnered huge attention, even having a chain of French-fry shops named after him. The little boy is dressed regularly in the attire of an organ builder, mayor of Brussels, and judo practitioner. Visit his female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis, squatting in a street nearby. Use our Brussels trip planner to arrange your visit to Manneken Pis and other attractions in Brussels.
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Manneken Pis reviews
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This is perhaps one of the most over publicized attractions. The folk lore legend is more interesting than the statue.
This is perhaps one of the most over publicized attractions. The folk lore legend is more interesting than the statue. more »
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Cute and funny to see the statue. Just be prepared for it to be crowded. The Brussels City Museum has the original statue if you want to learn more about the history. No plaques or anything near the..... more
Cute and funny to see the statue. Just be prepared for it to be crowded. The Brussels City Museum has the original statue if you want to learn more about the history. No plaques or anything near the..... more »
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It's pretty cool, there's actually a guy there with a shirt that says"official dresser" because they dress the statue in different clothes all the time. There also seems to be a strange parade that goes to it with giant folks on sticks and men dressed in drag. Quite entertaining to watch.
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Apparently this statue has a very rich history and is a bit of a national hero. I'd definitely recommend visiting the top floor of the Brussels City Museum to find out more about the statue and see the original up close. The one displayed as a popular tourist attraction is a copy to help keep the original one protected from the weather.
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