Surprising Facts About Manneken Pis — You Must Know!

Visiting Brussels means you can’t miss its most famous landmark-Manneken Pis! This tiny statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain might seem odd at first, but it’s one of the city’s biggest attractions.

Yes, This small bronze statue has captivated hearts and sparked curiosity for centuries and continues to do so today. However, Manneken Pis actually has a pretty fascinating backstory.

From his mysterious origins to his huge wardrobe of outfits, this little statue holds more secrets than you’d expect. So, grab a seat and a good cup of coffee — I’ll reveal to you 10 surprising facts about Manneken Pis that will amaze you!

Fact 1: It’s a Legendary

The story behind the small peeing boy statue in Brussels has a few different legends.

One story says it honors a little boy who was a duke’s son. He saved the city by peeing on a burning fuse.

Another story claims it represents the leather tanneries that used pee to prepare leather in the old days.

Another legend states that a young lord became lost and was found urinating in this spot, saving himself from being lost forever.

There’s also a tale that a model urinated on the statue while it was being created, leading the artist to cast it that way.

Finally, some believe it depicts a prank by schoolchildren on bystanders below.

The original statue was made in the 1300s, but the one you can see now was created later in the 1600s by an artist named Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder. This bronze statue stands right in the center of Brussels city.

Fact 2: It’s Brussels’ Symbol

Manneken Pis is more than just a statue — it represents the spirit of Brussels! The tiny peeing boy stands strong in the city center.

He shows the humor and toughness of the people of Brussels. Over many years, the statue has been through wars, theft, and damage, but it is still a beloved landmark.

This little statue reminds people of everyday life and strength, just like how Brussels has persevered through hard times.

Whenever you see Manneken Pis anywhere in the world, you instantly think of the city of Brussels.

Fact 3: It Inspires Art and Culture

The Peeing Boy statue has inspired many artists and local people. It has led to making copies of the statue, drawings, and even performances about it. It’s not just about the boy himself, but what he represents — a playful spirit and strong identity.

The statue has countless costumes to wear, showing different cultures and events from around the world.

The outfits celebrate holidays, important moments in history, and famous people. These traditions have made the peeing boy statue feel like a living part of the city’s story and culture.

During festivals and city celebrations, you’ll often see the peeing boy statue highlighted.

Fact 4: It’s Small

It’s hard to beleive, but this famous statue stands at just 55.5 cm (or 21.9 inches) tall, which is very small. Crafted from bronze, Manneken Pis depicts a young boy urinating in the fountain’s basin.

The artist behind this design, Jérôme Duquesnoy, completed it in the 17th century.

Despite its small size, the detail in the sculpture is impressive. Every feature, from the boy’s hair to his playful expression, has been carefully rendered, making it a beautiful piece of art.

Fact 5: Manneken Pis is a Fonctional Fountain

Manneken Pis is not just a statue; it’s also a working fountain. The boy’s playful posture means he is continually peeing into a basin below. The sound of the water flowing adds a relaxing atmosphere around the site.

Though it’s relatively small and tucked away, it’s a must-see landmark when visiting the city.

The fountain is surrounded by a decorative wrought-iron fence, ensuring the statue is well protected while still being enjoyed by tourists.

The area around the fountain is typically lively, with visitors snapping photos and enjoying the whimsical sight. So, take a moment to stop by Rue du Chêne and marvel at this small yet captivating piece of Brussels’ history!

Fact 6: It Dresses Up

The tradition of dressing up Manneken Pis dates back to 1919. Originally, the statue received new outfits on special occasions. Over time, the rate at which new costumes were added increased significantly.

Between 1919 and 1940, the statue got one new outfit each year. After World War II, the frequency increased to about five to fifteen new outfits per year.

By the 1980s, Manneken Pis received up to 25 new costumes annually. Today, it gets around 20 to 30 new outfits each year.

Fact 7: It Has Over 1,000 Costumes

Manneken Pis boasts a wardrobe of more than 1,000 unique costumes! The variety is astounding. From regional dresses to whimsical and ceremonial outfits, the collection includes some extraordinary pieces.

One notable costume is the outfit gifted by King Louis XV of France. The statue also has a cowboy costume and even an Elvis Presley outfit. All these costumes are carefully preserved at the Maison du Roi.

The statue is regularly dressed up, which is the famous official dresser (The Friends of Manneken Pis) that takes care of this delightful task. You’ll find more details about this organization below.

Fact 8: It Has Been Stolen Several Times

Manneken Pis has been stolen several times! The statue’s first theft occurred in the late 18th century. In 1817, someone broke the Manneken Pis statue into several pieces.

But soon after, they caught the person who committed this vendalism, which was an ex-convict named Antoine Licas.

During the 20th century, thieves made multiple attempts to steal the statue, with varying levels of success. Vandals also targeted the statue over the years, causing damage that required some serious repairs.

However, the fact that this tiny statue had survived so many attacks and attempts to harm it made its story even more famous.

Fact 9: It is Restored Regularly

Restorations have been a big part of Manneken Pis’s life! After major damage in 1817, the statue was carefully welded back together.

Manneken Pis is regularly maintained to ensure it remains in good shape. There’s a detailed restoration schedule to counter the wear and tear from weather and pollution.

To protect this cultural artifact from weather damage and wear, the true Manneken Pis was moved indoors to the museum of the City of Brussels.

There, you can view the sculpture that sparked the legendary traditions surrounding Brussels’ impish peeing boy icon. The replica outside allows the spirit of Manneken Pis to live on for residents and tourists alike.

Fact 10: There Are Copies in Many Other Countries

There are hundreds of replicas of Manneken Pis spread across the globe! You can find these copies in places like Japan, Spain, France, and even smaller towns in Belgium.

Each replica often has its own unique twist, making it distinct while still honoring the original.

Commercially, Manneken Pis has also become a popular image. You’ll see him on everything you could imagine: postcards, magnets, cups, t-shirts, and even chocolates and candles.

His playful and cheeky charm makes him a perfect fit for advertising campaigns and local branding efforts. The sheer number of these commercial uses highlights his widespread fame and appeal.

Fact 11: It Has Friends Statues

Meet Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke, companions in the city’s playful sculpture trio! Jeanneke Pis is a statue of a little girl peeing, installed in 1987 as a counterpart to Manneken Pis.

You’ll find her in a tucked-away street, near the famous Delirium Café in central Brussels, not far from the Grand Place.

Zinneke, on the other hand, is a statue of a peeing dog created in 1998. This bronze sculpture adds a whimsical touch to the streets of Brussels, showing the city’s sense of humor.

This statue is situated at the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains in central Brussels — about 10 minutes walking distance from Grand Place.

How to Get to the Manneken Pis?

Manneken Pis is centrally located in Brussels, near the beautiful Grand Place. You can easily walk to the statue if you’re staying downtown. If you’re using public transport, take the metro to Gare Centrale station, and it’s just a short walk from there.

The statue itself is on the corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne. However, you might find it more pleasant to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.

Don’t forget to check out the occasionally changing costumes of the statue! You can often find a schedule posted at the Maison du Roi or the Tourist Information Center to see when Manneken Pis will be dressed in one of his famous outfits.”

What Nearby Attraction Can You Visit?

While you’re in the area, make sure to explore more of Brussels’ landmarks. Just a few steps from Manneken Pis, you’ll find the Grand Place, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee or a big glass of beer and take in the sights.

You should also visit the Brussels City Museum located in the Maison du Roi building at the Grand Place. The museum offers a deep dive into the city’s history and includes an impressive collection of Manneken Pis costumes.

You can also head over to the Jeanneke Pis, you know, Manneken Pis friend, a little girl. It’s located a short walk from Manneken Pis and adds an interesting twist to your tour of Brussels’ quirky statues.

Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Éverard t’Serclaes statue, which commemorates the legendary figure who played a crucial role in Brussels’ history.

The statue is situated in a charming narrow street that leads straight to the Grand Place. Oh, and while you are there, don’t forget to rub the statue; it’s said to bring luck.

Who Prepare the Manneken Pis for Events in Brussels

You’ll feel the spirit of community in Brussels through “ The Friends of Manneken Pis.” This group is dedicated to preserving the statue and its traditions.

They organize events, dress the statue in various costumes, and ensure its upkeep. It’s charming to see how they keep the fun alive!

They collect and display the costumes at Maison du Roi, where you can explore this quirky collection.

How to Pronounce ‘Manneken Pis’ Correctly?

You say it like this: “Manneken” rhymes with “can-a-can,” and “Pis” sounds like “peace.” So, together, it’s “Manneken Pis.”

Final Words!

Here we are; that’s all there is to know about the Manneken Pis. Although this peeing boy statue is very small, it does attract millions of visitors per year from all over the world.

People are often surprised by how small the Manneken Pis is when they see it for the first time.

Because it’s so famous worldwide, they expect to see something bigger and more impressionable. But hey, it’s cute, and it has an impressive history behind it!

Originally published at https://travelonquest.com on June 1, 2024.