Manneken Pis Monument

Address: Rue de l’Étuve / Stoofstraat, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Website: https://visit.brussels/en/place/Manneken-Pis

Hours: Always accessible outdoors

Admission: Free (public statue)

Manneken Pis is a small bronze fountain sculpture of a urinating boy located in central Brussels, near the Grand Place. The statue dates to the early 17th century and is one of the city’s best-known civic symbols.

Standing about 61 centimetres tall, the figure is set above a fountain basin at the junction of Rue de l’Etuve and Rue du Chene and is commonly dressed in different outfits during festivals and official events. The statue is a frequent photo stop and a quirky symbol of Brussels’ civic humor.

The current bronze statue replaced earlier versions after damage and theft over the centuries; the original is preserved in the City of Brussels Museum at the Maison du Roi. The practice of dressing the figure began in the 17th century and has developed into an organised costume collection and schedule.

The sculpture sits a short walk from the Grand Place in central Brussels, within the historic core and pedestrian streets of the city. It is easily reached on foot from major central tram and metro stops.

• Costumes and original: The small bronze statue is frequently dressed in costumes and the original is kept in the City of Brussels Museum; the statue seen on the street is a replica.

Manneken Pis is in central Brussels near Rue de l’Étuve and the Grand-Place. It’s an easy walk (about 5-10 minutes) from Brussels-Central (Gare Centrale) railway station.

By metro the city center is served by lines 1 and 5 (get off at Gare Centrale/De Brouckère and walk a few minutes). Brussels Airport is roughly 15-20 km from the city centre by road (around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic).

• Go very early in the morning (before 9:00) to see Manneken Pis with far fewer people; the statue sits on a narrow corner and crowds form quickly around it.
• Check the City of Brussels schedule if you want to see the statue dressed-the official dressing events are published and attract large crowds, so time your visit accordingly.
• If you want the original costume displays, visit the Brussels City Museum (Maison du Roi) on the Grand Place where many of Manneken Pis's historic outfits are kept and exhibited.