Manneken Pis: reviews and practical tips

-3
recos
3.2/5 5 reviews
Rue de l'Étuve 46, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Rue de l'Étuve 46, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Manneken Pis
Le Manneken Pis

Seeing the Manneken Pis, a small statue with a big reputation

The Manneken Pis is one of the most recognizable icons of Brussels. This small bronze statue of a young boy mid-stream intrigues and amuses visitors in equal measure. Located just a short walk from the Grand-Place, it draws a curious crowd every single day.

A monument smaller than you might expect

Many travelers are surprised by its actual size, which is barely 55 centimeters (about 22 inches) tall. Tucked away at the intersection of the rue de l'Etuve and the rue du Chene, it is easy to miss if you do not know exactly where to look. Despite its modest proportions, it is almost always circled by a throng of onlookers.

A statue with an extensive wardrobe

What sets the Manneken Pis apart is its impressive collection of outfits. Throughout the year, the statue is regularly dressed to mark special occasions or historical events. The wardrobe includes more than 1,000 costumes, some of which are displayed at the Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles (Brussels City Museum).

A symbol of the Brussels spirit

The Manneken Pis perfectly captures Zwanze, that distinct Brussels sense of humor that is at once irreverent and good-natured. Several legends surround its origin, ranging from a child who extinguished a fire in this way to a tribute to a nobleman's son lost in the city. The current statue dates back to 1619 and is the work of sculptor Jerome Duquesnoy, although the original piece has been stolen and replaced several times over the last four centuries.

Reviews of Manneken Pis

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Summary of 5 reviews
3.2/5
Average rating
-3
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.4
As a couple
3.2
With friends
3.2

Avygeo ranking

#1500
in the world
#954
in Europe
#13
in Belgium
#5
in Brussels

A small but big symbol of Brussels

As famous as the Grand Place, the Manneken Pis attracts a lot of visitors.
What a surprise to find yourself standing in front of this little statue, less than 60 centimeters tall and famous all over the world!
The trip is mainly worth it for the show of all these tourists gathering here to take a selfie.
Cool detail, the Manneken Pis is dressed according to the times and seasons, and for fans there is even a museum where these fancy outfits are displayed!

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A bit disappointing

While the Manneken Pis is the symbol of Brussels, it is pretty disappointing. It is located in a small street and is easy to miss. Honestly, the sculpture is very small. Do not expect anything very impressive, quite the opposite. If you are not staying in Brussels for long, skip it, there are other things much more interesting to see.

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The most famous boy in town

The symbol of the city! This statue is surrounded by legends, and while it is certainly nothing exceptional, it still holds the mystery of its origins. It is pretty fun that the young man has a whole wardrobe in the colors of different countries and celebrities. So, remember to go see him dressed up on national holidays or admire his hundreds of costumes directly in the impressive City Museum. The Jeanneke Pis, his much lesser known but very similar female counterpart, is located near the Grand-Place.

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For the legend and the folklore

I agree with Bill, this little statue relieving himself is not spectacular or impressive in any way. That said, the interest of this monument lies in the legend it represents for Brussels. The statue supposedly represents a child who put out the fuse of an explosive that was going to blow up the city walls. According to other stories, it was the work of a benefactor who lifted the curse of a child condemned to urinate by a witch, by substituting him with this bronze. Did you know that the Manneken has an official wardrobe of 800 outfits, which he wears depending on the occasion?
In short, taking an interest in this little monument gives you the chance to discover quite a few things about local history and folklore.

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Small and disappointing

If it were not for the crowd out front and the reputation of this statue, you would easily walk right by without stopping to take a closer look.

Why is this one of the most famous monuments in the city? That remains a mystery to me. Tucked into a small square on a small street, this tiny statue is a fountain shaped like a child relieving himself.

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