Manneken Pis (Dutch for 'Little Pissing Man'; Dutch: [ˌmɑnəkə(m) ˈpɪs] (listen)) is a landmark 55.5 cm (21.9 in) bronze fountain sculpture in central Brussels, Belgium, depicting a puer mingens; a naked little boy urinating into the fountain's basin. Though its existence is attested as early as the mid-15th century, it was redesigned by the Brabantine sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1618 or 1619. Its stone niche in rocaille style dates from 1770.
Manneken Pis has been repeatedly stolen or damaged throughout its history. Since 1965, a replica has been displayed with the original stored in the Brussels City Museum. It is one of the best-known symbols of Brussels and Belgium, inspiring many imitations and similar statues. The figure is regularly dressed up and its wardrobe consists of around one thousand different costumes. Due to its self-derisive nature, it is also an example of belgitude (French; lit. 'Belgianness'), as well as of folk humour (zwanze) popular in Brussels.
It’s so crazy from all the pictures you’ll see before going to see him, you’ll think that he’s this large statue of a little kid. Then you will get there and see a lot of tourists and be looking to see where the statue is. He’s SO small! I actually was happy he was because it makes the statue very cute. They also always have him dressed up which is adorable. I’m so happy we went to see him even if it was a little statue with a lot of tourists.
April HMar 3, 2018
Very interesting place to visit.Interesting history. When I visited there were lot of tourists from all over the world. The nearby street offers plenty of chocolates n other interesting eatables. Must visit n must photo opportunity. Don't miss!
Narayan PagaFeb 6, 2018
This place is everything that Brussels stands for. Cosy streets, bars, chocolate shops and old statues. The statue is actually quite small, but it is all about reputation. A lot of people come here to have a look. So take your picture and enjoy.
Taco BakkerFeb 18, 2018
This is a symbol of the city of Brussels. All my respect for an historical place that must be visited. However, if I have to compare to a Colosseum or another breathtaking important historical place, I can't give more than 3 stars, not 2 due to his cultural importance. The first time I've seen it, I was expecting a bigger shape, but I can understand the excitement of dressing him in different ways based on the celebrated events. It's not far from the Grand Place, hence you may want to show him to your guests passing from the crowded Grand Place first as round cultural trip. Lot of art nouveau place nearby.
atan twoJan 2, 2018
Many people think it maybe underwhelming to see how small the statue actually is but I adore the little guy. The area can get silly crowded. You might even walk pass it while avoiding all the foot traffic. It's still is an important part of all things in this area. Take home the memory and a picture, so you can join in on the conversation.
Peak NessFeb 28, 2018
I lived in Belgium for 7 years and I still love going to see this little guy as he get dressed for special occasions. So if you are lucky, you'll see him dressed. Don't expect him to be huge, he is really tiny!
Fanny RousselMar 20, 2018
Very small statue but iconic. Nice to see and go around since a couple of street arts before getting to the statue are around. Lots of tourist to chat and meet. Chocolate stores are a must to visit and eat a waffle they are a part of the culture of Brussels. Don not leave without eating waffle or chocolate please! Lol.
Edwin RiveraMar 29, 2018
It's still nice and of course funny, but I didn't think it'd be so small! I came around the corner and wasn't sure what everyone was looking at at first. Still worth it if you're into historical stuff, plus there are a lot of great waffle shops around. I definitely got distracted Small boy and a smaller penis.
Hope MillesMar 13, 2018
It's just a small statue at a corner of road with not much to be awed at. Though when I had been there the statue was being "undressed" for it's night nap may be(pun intended). The care taker or who ever the person was tried to make a bit fun out of the situation but splashing the "piss" of the baby boy statue. Overall I felt it to be a bit overrated.
Sonia SarkarMar 19, 2018
I don't know why this place is so famous. Its a small statue, may be 2ft, small historical relevance but not great. It's my personal opinion that Brussels Belgium has much more great places to visit. However, if you are visiting grand place in Brussels then you can easily walk to Manneken Pis. And yaa, it's almost always crowded, again for no reason. It's too small to have a good picture
Syed Shan-e-Ali ZaidiApr 20, 2018
Andover Heights experience that you can definitely only seem Brussels but it's not worth the wait in front of a square to just see a tiny boy taking a piss. You can also find something better to do with your time maybe the chocolate or visit the wonderful Street surrounding the actual statue. You can have a coffee you can visit the square but you should not spend more than 5 minutes and if it's raining even not that longer to just see the tiny statue that is not replicated in the back door of every cheesy Cottage
radu moldovanApr 24, 2018
From the Grand Place, just follow the crowd and you'll get to this little statue. Check out their clothing change schedule (from the tourist information center in the Grand Place), since it is the most entertaining part of this statue. If you check out the website link, you'll see they change this boy's costume per special celebration or commemoration. A person will come with new cloth, unclothe the old one and leave the full exposure about 3-5 mins, then quickly clothe with a new costume. Then Voila, peeing strong once to the crowd and get back to normal flow. The crowd's response is entertaining. That's all. But still, some odd and memorable experience.
Junwoo LimApr 24, 2018
Nice place but it really not that great to see. This place is over rated compared to what we see. If you miss to visit also, no need to worry as there are more great place to visit. Always try Belgium chocolate, they are really awesome compared to this kids view.
Vivek ShuklaMay 6, 2018
You'll most likely walk by the Manneken Pis while going around in Brussels, so it's worth checking out out anyway. However, there's not much to it, and its most ingesting to wonder on Brussels fixation on pissing statues. Besides the boy, there's a girl and a dog. It's most fun "hunting" the pissing statues to show friends the collection, but there are far more interesting things to see if you're in a hurry.
Paulo Vinicius Wolski RadtkeMay 21, 2018
This place has no big interest apart from having fun. Do not be surprised if you see that the day you come it's all dressed up. It's totally normal. You you're lucky enough you can see when they change his clothing. To make a great picture is to get very close.
Edgar OtáloraMay 11, 2018
The boy is just pissing. Give him some privacy people.... Unless you're a tourist like me. Then stare at him all you want. There's something bizarre about the whole experience but you just accept it and it makes you wanting more pissing statues. (There are others. Look for them)
Joshua ChunJun 3, 2018
I believe it’s a must see like Mona Lisa at the Louvre! Unfortunately, tour guides tend to guide you away from it on the formal tour and encourage you to find it on your own time possibly. For example, they might say it’s small or far.. But to my delight when you happen to find it, ah Ha!! And you will enjoy the odd and nostalgia of this legendary monument to make its mark on your travels: Manneken Pisss!! :)
Dave RalstonJul 1, 2018
I know others have been underwhelmed by this attraction, but I absolutely love this little guy. You won't spend more then 3 minutes and it is funny to see that one the top attractions of the city is this little boy. Try to learn about the legends and the history behind it. It is 5 minutes from the Grand Place, worthy taking a quick look.
Sergii PavlenkoJun 24, 2018
Pretty underwhelmed to be honest. Just a mini statue of a boy pissing (with high bars around it) and all this at a corner of a building around buildings... Not much to see but if you're there already (probably at the Grand-Place) it's a 5 min walk. And since there's not much to see in Brussels anyway you can go and check it out. There's as lot of waffle shops nearby so you can treat yourself after.
Nania SashamonJun 28, 2018
I don't understand why people have this negative attitude toward this statue. First, it is not meant to be a history lesson (though the story behind it is funny and interesting). Second you are not expected to spend an hour looking at it, it is not a museum. Just go there on your way to the main square enjoy it for a minute or two and look up its history later or before your visit. Keep Pissing!
Jamal FaresJul 10, 2018
Excellent place. Nice to visit. Waffles were tasty with cappuccino ice-cream. Big Market. It's a Flower show day today. A good man booked a room for known members to take a snap and he also allowed us. Thanks to him. A big market with a good church with lot of weddings. Don't miss this place. Also Tin Tin character is famous here.
Madhava RaoAug 18, 2018
Well, it's a small statue of a pissing boy. What to say? There are many stories behind what it was put up. The one that is the most plausible (at least according to our guide) is that there were a lot of tanners around who used to put out pots where passing children could piss and get a few coins. This was a way to collect ammonia for their industry. And so the statues were born.
Matija PenezićAug 12, 2018
It is very very very small, but entertaining to see dressed up for occasions and peeing different liquids also on special occasions (beer/ milk). To take a good picture without a crowd behind, go in the morning.
Holi CanoliJul 27, 2018
Lovely little statue of a no-stop pieeing boy. Part of the Belgian history and one of the most visited attractions in Brussels. Unfortunately he wasn't wearing any costumes when we saw it, but if you're lucky enough, you might see him wearing some very unique costumes, selected by the public through recommendation to the mayor. Brilliant.
GiovanniAug 15, 2018
It’s so crazy from all the pictures you’ll see before going to see him, you’ll think that he’s this large statue of a little kid. Then you will get there and see a lot of tourists and be looking to see where the statue is. He’s SO small! I actually was happy he was because it makes the statue very cute. They also always have him dressed up which is adorable. I’m so happy we went to see him even if it was a little statue with a lot of tourists.
April HMar 3, 2018
Very interesting place to visit.Interesting history. When I visited there were lot of tourists from all over the world. The nearby street offers plenty of chocolates n other interesting eatables. Must visit n must photo opportunity. Don't miss!
Narayan PagaFeb 6, 2018
This place is everything that Brussels stands for. Cosy streets, bars, chocolate shops and old statues. The statue is actually quite small, but it is all about reputation. A lot of people come here to have a look. So take your picture and enjoy.
Taco BakkerFeb 18, 2018
This is a symbol of the city of Brussels. All my respect for an historical place that must be visited. However, if I have to compare to a Colosseum or another breathtaking important historical place, I can't give more than 3 stars, not 2 due to his cultural importance. The first time I've seen it, I was expecting a bigger shape, but I can understand the excitement of dressing him in different ways based on the celebrated events. It's not far from the Grand Place, hence you may want to show him to your guests passing from the crowded Grand Place first as round cultural trip. Lot of art nouveau place nearby.
atan twoJan 2, 2018
Many people think it maybe underwhelming to see how small the statue actually is but I adore the little guy. The area can get silly crowded. You might even walk pass it while avoiding all the foot traffic. It's still is an important part of all things in this area. Take home the memory and a picture, so you can join in on the conversation.
Peak NessFeb 28, 2018
I lived in Belgium for 7 years and I still love going to see this little guy as he get dressed for special occasions. So if you are lucky, you'll see him dressed. Don't expect him to be huge, he is really tiny!
Fanny RousselMar 20, 2018
Very small statue but iconic. Nice to see and go around since a couple of street arts before getting to the statue are around. Lots of tourist to chat and meet. Chocolate stores are a must to visit and eat a waffle they are a part of the culture of Brussels. Don not leave without eating waffle or chocolate please! Lol.
Edwin RiveraMar 29, 2018
It's still nice and of course funny, but I didn't think it'd be so small! I came around the corner and wasn't sure what everyone was looking at at first. Still worth it if you're into historical stuff, plus there are a lot of great waffle shops around. I definitely got distracted Small boy and a smaller penis.
Hope MillesMar 13, 2018
It's just a small statue at a corner of road with not much to be awed at. Though when I had been there the statue was being "undressed" for it's night nap may be(pun intended). The care taker or who ever the person was tried to make a bit fun out of the situation but splashing the "piss" of the baby boy statue. Overall I felt it to be a bit overrated.
Sonia SarkarMar 19, 2018
I don't know why this place is so famous. Its a small statue, may be 2ft, small historical relevance but not great. It's my personal opinion that Brussels Belgium has much more great places to visit. However, if you are visiting grand place in Brussels then you can easily walk to Manneken Pis. And yaa, it's almost always crowded, again for no reason. It's too small to have a good picture
Syed Shan-e-Ali ZaidiApr 20, 2018
Andover Heights experience that you can definitely only seem Brussels but it's not worth the wait in front of a square to just see a tiny boy taking a piss. You can also find something better to do with your time maybe the chocolate or visit the wonderful Street surrounding the actual statue. You can have a coffee you can visit the square but you should not spend more than 5 minutes and if it's raining even not that longer to just see the tiny statue that is not replicated in the back door of every cheesy Cottage
radu moldovanApr 24, 2018
From the Grand Place, just follow the crowd and you'll get to this little statue. Check out their clothing change schedule (from the tourist information center in the Grand Place), since it is the most entertaining part of this statue. If you check out the website link, you'll see they change this boy's costume per special celebration or commemoration. A person will come with new cloth, unclothe the old one and leave the full exposure about 3-5 mins, then quickly clothe with a new costume. Then Voila, peeing strong once to the crowd and get back to normal flow. The crowd's response is entertaining. That's all. But still, some odd and memorable experience.
Junwoo LimApr 24, 2018
Nice place but it really not that great to see. This place is over rated compared to what we see. If you miss to visit also, no need to worry as there are more great place to visit. Always try Belgium chocolate, they are really awesome compared to this kids view.
Vivek ShuklaMay 6, 2018
You'll most likely walk by the Manneken Pis while going around in Brussels, so it's worth checking out out anyway. However, there's not much to it, and its most ingesting to wonder on Brussels fixation on pissing statues. Besides the boy, there's a girl and a dog. It's most fun "hunting" the pissing statues to show friends the collection, but there are far more interesting things to see if you're in a hurry.
Paulo Vinicius Wolski RadtkeMay 21, 2018
This place has no big interest apart from having fun. Do not be surprised if you see that the day you come it's all dressed up. It's totally normal. You you're lucky enough you can see when they change his clothing. To make a great picture is to get very close.
Edgar OtáloraMay 11, 2018
The boy is just pissing. Give him some privacy people.... Unless you're a tourist like me. Then stare at him all you want. There's something bizarre about the whole experience but you just accept it and it makes you wanting more pissing statues. (There are others. Look for them)
Joshua ChunJun 3, 2018
I believe it’s a must see like Mona Lisa at the Louvre! Unfortunately, tour guides tend to guide you away from it on the formal tour and encourage you to find it on your own time possibly. For example, they might say it’s small or far.. But to my delight when you happen to find it, ah Ha!! And you will enjoy the odd and nostalgia of this legendary monument to make its mark on your travels: Manneken Pisss!! :)
Dave RalstonJul 1, 2018
I know others have been underwhelmed by this attraction, but I absolutely love this little guy. You won't spend more then 3 minutes and it is funny to see that one the top attractions of the city is this little boy. Try to learn about the legends and the history behind it. It is 5 minutes from the Grand Place, worthy taking a quick look.
Sergii PavlenkoJun 24, 2018
Pretty underwhelmed to be honest. Just a mini statue of a boy pissing (with high bars around it) and all this at a corner of a building around buildings... Not much to see but if you're there already (probably at the Grand-Place) it's a 5 min walk. And since there's not much to see in Brussels anyway you can go and check it out. There's as lot of waffle shops nearby so you can treat yourself after.
Nania SashamonJun 28, 2018
I don't understand why people have this negative attitude toward this statue. First, it is not meant to be a history lesson (though the story behind it is funny and interesting). Second you are not expected to spend an hour looking at it, it is not a museum. Just go there on your way to the main square enjoy it for a minute or two and look up its history later or before your visit. Keep Pissing!
Jamal FaresJul 10, 2018
Excellent place. Nice to visit. Waffles were tasty with cappuccino ice-cream. Big Market. It's a Flower show day today. A good man booked a room for known members to take a snap and he also allowed us. Thanks to him. A big market with a good church with lot of weddings. Don't miss this place. Also Tin Tin character is famous here.
Madhava RaoAug 18, 2018
Well, it's a small statue of a pissing boy. What to say? There are many stories behind what it was put up. The one that is the most plausible (at least according to our guide) is that there were a lot of tanners around who used to put out pots where passing children could piss and get a few coins. This was a way to collect ammonia for their industry. And so the statues were born.
Matija PenezićAug 12, 2018
It is very very very small, but entertaining to see dressed up for occasions and peeing different liquids also on special occasions (beer/ milk). To take a good picture without a crowd behind, go in the morning.
Holi CanoliJul 27, 2018
Lovely little statue of a no-stop pieeing boy. Part of the Belgian history and one of the most visited attractions in Brussels. Unfortunately he wasn't wearing any costumes when we saw it, but if you're lucky enough, you might see him wearing some very unique costumes, selected by the public through recommendation to the mayor. Brilliant.
GiovanniAug 15, 2018
It’s so crazy from all the pictures you’ll see before going to see him, you’ll think that he’s this large statue of a little kid. Then you will get there and see a lot of tourists and be looking to see where the statue is. He’s SO small! I actually was happy he was because it makes the statue very cute. They also always have him dressed up which is adorable. I’m so happy we went to see him even if it was a little statue with a lot of tourists.
April HMar 3, 2018
Very interesting place to visit.Interesting history. When I visited there were lot of tourists from all over the world. The nearby street offers plenty of chocolates n other interesting eatables. Must visit n must photo opportunity. Don't miss!
Narayan PagaFeb 6, 2018
This place is everything that Brussels stands for. Cosy streets, bars, chocolate shops and old statues. The statue is actually quite small, but it is all about reputation. A lot of people come here to have a look. So take your picture and enjoy.
Taco BakkerFeb 18, 2018
This is a symbol of the city of Brussels. All my respect for an historical place that must be visited. However, if I have to compare to a Colosseum or another breathtaking important historical place, I can't give more than 3 stars, not 2 due to his cultural importance. The first time I've seen it, I was expecting a bigger shape, but I can understand the excitement of dressing him in different ways based on the celebrated events. It's not far from the Grand Place, hence you may want to show him to your guests passing from the crowded Grand Place first as round cultural trip. Lot of art nouveau place nearby.
atan twoJan 2, 2018
Many people think it maybe underwhelming to see how small the statue actually is but I adore the little guy. The area can get silly crowded. You might even walk pass it while avoiding all the foot traffic. It's still is an important part of all things in this area. Take home the memory and a picture, so you can join in on the conversation.
Peak NessFeb 28, 2018
I lived in Belgium for 7 years and I still love going to see this little guy as he get dressed for special occasions. So if you are lucky, you'll see him dressed. Don't expect him to be huge, he is really tiny!
Fanny RousselMar 20, 2018
Very small statue but iconic. Nice to see and go around since a couple of street arts before getting to the statue are around. Lots of tourist to chat and meet. Chocolate stores are a must to visit and eat a waffle they are a part of the culture of Brussels. Don not leave without eating waffle or chocolate please! Lol.
Edwin RiveraMar 29, 2018
It's still nice and of course funny, but I didn't think it'd be so small! I came around the corner and wasn't sure what everyone was looking at at first. Still worth it if you're into historical stuff, plus there are a lot of great waffle shops around. I definitely got distracted Small boy and a smaller penis.
Hope MillesMar 13, 2018
It's just a small statue at a corner of road with not much to be awed at. Though when I had been there the statue was being "undressed" for it's night nap may be(pun intended). The care taker or who ever the person was tried to make a bit fun out of the situation but splashing the "piss" of the baby boy statue. Overall I felt it to be a bit overrated.
Sonia SarkarMar 19, 2018
I don't know why this place is so famous. Its a small statue, may be 2ft, small historical relevance but not great. It's my personal opinion that Brussels Belgium has much more great places to visit. However, if you are visiting grand place in Brussels then you can easily walk to Manneken Pis. And yaa, it's almost always crowded, again for no reason. It's too small to have a good picture
Syed Shan-e-Ali ZaidiApr 20, 2018
Andover Heights experience that you can definitely only seem Brussels but it's not worth the wait in front of a square to just see a tiny boy taking a piss. You can also find something better to do with your time maybe the chocolate or visit the wonderful Street surrounding the actual statue. You can have a coffee you can visit the square but you should not spend more than 5 minutes and if it's raining even not that longer to just see the tiny statue that is not replicated in the back door of every cheesy Cottage
radu moldovanApr 24, 2018
From the Grand Place, just follow the crowd and you'll get to this little statue. Check out their clothing change schedule (from the tourist information center in the Grand Place), since it is the most entertaining part of this statue. If you check out the website link, you'll see they change this boy's costume per special celebration or commemoration. A person will come with new cloth, unclothe the old one and leave the full exposure about 3-5 mins, then quickly clothe with a new costume. Then Voila, peeing strong once to the crowd and get back to normal flow. The crowd's response is entertaining. That's all. But still, some odd and memorable experience.
Junwoo LimApr 24, 2018
Nice place but it really not that great to see. This place is over rated compared to what we see. If you miss to visit also, no need to worry as there are more great place to visit. Always try Belgium chocolate, they are really awesome compared to this kids view.
Vivek ShuklaMay 6, 2018
You'll most likely walk by the Manneken Pis while going around in Brussels, so it's worth checking out out anyway. However, there's not much to it, and its most ingesting to wonder on Brussels fixation on pissing statues. Besides the boy, there's a girl and a dog. It's most fun "hunting" the pissing statues to show friends the collection, but there are far more interesting things to see if you're in a hurry.
Paulo Vinicius Wolski RadtkeMay 21, 2018
This place has no big interest apart from having fun. Do not be surprised if you see that the day you come it's all dressed up. It's totally normal. You you're lucky enough you can see when they change his clothing. To make a great picture is to get very close.
Edgar OtáloraMay 11, 2018
The boy is just pissing. Give him some privacy people.... Unless you're a tourist like me. Then stare at him all you want. There's something bizarre about the whole experience but you just accept it and it makes you wanting more pissing statues. (There are others. Look for them)
Joshua ChunJun 3, 2018
I believe it’s a must see like Mona Lisa at the Louvre! Unfortunately, tour guides tend to guide you away from it on the formal tour and encourage you to find it on your own time possibly. For example, they might say it’s small or far.. But to my delight when you happen to find it, ah Ha!! And you will enjoy the odd and nostalgia of this legendary monument to make its mark on your travels: Manneken Pisss!! :)
Dave RalstonJul 1, 2018
I know others have been underwhelmed by this attraction, but I absolutely love this little guy. You won't spend more then 3 minutes and it is funny to see that one the top attractions of the city is this little boy. Try to learn about the legends and the history behind it. It is 5 minutes from the Grand Place, worthy taking a quick look.
Sergii PavlenkoJun 24, 2018
Pretty underwhelmed to be honest. Just a mini statue of a boy pissing (with high bars around it) and all this at a corner of a building around buildings... Not much to see but if you're there already (probably at the Grand-Place) it's a 5 min walk. And since there's not much to see in Brussels anyway you can go and check it out. There's as lot of waffle shops nearby so you can treat yourself after.
Nania SashamonJun 28, 2018
I don't understand why people have this negative attitude toward this statue. First, it is not meant to be a history lesson (though the story behind it is funny and interesting). Second you are not expected to spend an hour looking at it, it is not a museum. Just go there on your way to the main square enjoy it for a minute or two and look up its history later or before your visit. Keep Pissing!
Jamal FaresJul 10, 2018
Excellent place. Nice to visit. Waffles were tasty with cappuccino ice-cream. Big Market. It's a Flower show day today. A good man booked a room for known members to take a snap and he also allowed us. Thanks to him. A big market with a good church with lot of weddings. Don't miss this place. Also Tin Tin character is famous here.
Madhava RaoAug 18, 2018
Well, it's a small statue of a pissing boy. What to say? There are many stories behind what it was put up. The one that is the most plausible (at least according to our guide) is that there were a lot of tanners around who used to put out pots where passing children could piss and get a few coins. This was a way to collect ammonia for their industry. And so the statues were born.
Matija PenezićAug 12, 2018
It is very very very small, but entertaining to see dressed up for occasions and peeing different liquids also on special occasions (beer/ milk). To take a good picture without a crowd behind, go in the morning.
Holi CanoliJul 27, 2018
Lovely little statue of a no-stop pieeing boy. Part of the Belgian history and one of the most visited attractions in Brussels. Unfortunately he wasn't wearing any costumes when we saw it, but if you're lucky enough, you might see him wearing some very unique costumes, selected by the public through recommendation to the mayor. Brilliant.
GiovanniAug 15, 2018