Mannekin Pis is a beloved symbol of Brussels. The oldest mention of “where the child takes a pee” is in an administrative document from 1451 about the network of water pipes supplying the public drinking fountains of the city. The Mannekin has an entire museum devoted to his wardrobe. There’s even an official position of “dresser” for Mannekin Pis, an appointment that has existed since 1755. But the idea of putting the Mannekin in clothing is even older than that. The oldest costume in the collection is one from 1747, presented by French King Louis XIV as an apology for his soldiers attempting to steal the statuette. Now, visiting dignataries gift Brussels with costumes that reflect their respective countries. The little guy has been stolen and broken several times, so the original statue is in a museum and it’s a replica that folks see out in the public fountain these days. He has been classified as an historical monument since 1975. Brussels residents like to see themselves as playful and irreverent, which this little statue epitomizes.
This is the original statue, now displayed in the City Museum of Brussels in the Grand Place.
This is the costume that King Louis XIV gifted to the people of Brussels as an apology for his soldiers’ behavior.
Mannekin Pis’ replica, as seen in the fountain today.
Mannekin’s image can be found in several gift shops. Maybe you’d like to buy him in chocolate form?
One of the Mannekin’s many costumes
This costume was a gift from Japan.
Mannekin Pis is located at the intersection of Rue du Chéne and Rue de l’Etuve in central Brussels, just a short distance from the Grand Place. The City Museum of Brussels is located on the north side of the Grand Place, opposite Brussels City Hall, in the Maison du Roi. The museum holds many items related to Brussels’ history, including paintings, tapestries, dioramas, and other artifacts. The original Mannekin Pis is located on the top floor of the museum. City Museum tickets are 10€ for adults and 7€ for seniors. Operating hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Mannekin’s wardrobe, however, has a museum of its own, the Garderobe Mannekin Pis, which is located at Rue du Chéne 19. Your ticket for the City Museum also covers the Garderobe. Its operating hours are the same as those of the City Museum.
Mannekin Pis also has a sister, Jeanneke Pis, and a dog called Het Zinneke. Jeanneke Pis is located at Imp. De la Fidélité 10-12. Het Zinneke, the peeing dog statue, is located at Rue des Chartreux 35.