It is impossible to come to Brussels without going to see him.
It is the symbol of Brussels folklore and the “zwanzeur” spirit.
A visit is a must,
We like
- Tick the box “we saw Manneken Pis” with the children… but by really telling them his story.
- The “Pis” family : a fun mini-tour in the centre
- A nice itinerary, right next door: the statue → GardeRobe → Grand-Place → Choco-Story.
- The combined ticket that includes City Museum + Wardrobe, ideal for a cultural half-day.
- The neighborhood is very lively, with chocolate makers, waffles, cafes… Enough to motivate the whole family.
Manneken Pis, in real life
Manneken Pis is the small fountain statue of a boy urinating, at the corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne, a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place. It can be seen 24/7, free of charge.
He is often dressed in costumes from all over the world. The statue you see in the street is a copy : the original from 1619 is preciously preserved in the Museum of the City of Brussels, on the Grand-Place.
Don’t be surprised:
– it is smaller than you imagine when you see the photos,
– the street is often very busy (especially in the afternoon and at weekends),
– There are almost always people taking pictures of it.
To enjoy it more quietly, we advise you to come:
– early in the morning,
– or in the early evening.
A little history, to tell the children
- As early as the 15th century, Manneken Pis was first and foremost a drinking water fountain for the city.
- In 1619, the City commissioned a new statuette from the sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy.
- It survived the bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and gradually became a symbol of the city.
- Victim of repeated thefts, the original was finally replaced by a copy in 1966. The authentic statue is now on display in the rooms of the Museum of the City of Brussels (Maison du Roi, on the Grand-Place).
You will see:
– copying in the street,
– the original at the museum,
– and his costumes at the GardeRobe MannekenPis.
The “Pis” family: a fun mini-tour in the centre
Manneken Pis is not alone: he has a “little sister” and even a dog. With the Kids, have fun doing this mini-tour in the historic center.
👉 A very simple route on foot:
- Manneken Pis (Rue de l’Étuve / Rue du Chêne)
- Jeanneke Pis (Impasse de la Fidélité)
- Zinneke Pis (Rue des Chartreux)
JEANNEKE PIS – THE LITTLE SISTER
- Bronze statue of about 50 cm, created in 1985 and inaugurated in 1987.
- It is located in the Impasse de la Fidélité, just behind the Rue des Bouchers, a few minutes’ walk from the Grand-Place.
- According to modern legend, Jeanneke brings good luck to lovers : a coin is thrown into the basin to seal one’s fidelity.
ZINNEKE PIS – THE DOG
- Bronze sculpture of a dog raising its paw on a pole, made in 1999 by the artist Tom Frantzen.
- Located on the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Grains, in an area full of bars and small shops.
- The word “zinneke” originally referred to a mongrel dog… and by extension an inhabitant of Brussels of mixed origins, the opposite of the “ketje”, the pure Brussels native.
In a 45–60 minute walk, you discover three different districts, with plenty of options for a chocolate, a waffle or a drink on the terrace.
Les costumes de Manneken Pis & la GardeRobe
Over the centuries, the city and countries around the world have offered Manneken Pis more than 1,000 costumes : folk outfits, uniforms, costumes, tributes to artists, sports clubs, etc.
These costumes are kept and exhibited at the Manneken Pis Wardrobe, a small museum a few meters from the statue:
- Address: Rue du Chêne 19, 1000 Brussels.
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m . (closed on Mondays).
- Combined ticket possible with the Museum of the City of Brussels – King’s House on the Grand-Place.
Inside, you will discover a thematic selection of costumes: countries, trades, festivals, etc. It’s a short and fun visit that is very popular with children (and teenagers for the “WTF” side of the outfits).
The Museum of the City of Brussels (Maison du Roi)
To go further, go to the Grand-Place at the Museum of the City of Brussels :
- you see the original statue from 1619,
- you discover the history of the city,
- and you understand how Manneken Pis became the icon of Brussels.
It’s a very good combination:
- statue in the street,
- Wardrobe costumes,
- in the museum on the Grand-Place.
Take a break after seeing Manneken Pis? (waffles, chocolates, coffees)
The area around Manneken Pis is very touristy, but it is full of small addresses perfect with children or friends.
FOR A WAFFLE TO GO
- Le Funambule – waffles right next to Manneken Pis
📍 Rue de l’Étuve 42, 1000 Brussels.
This is one of the most well-known addresses for a hot waffle to eat while looking at the statue. Very busy and very touristy, but ultra convenient with hungry kids.
FOR THE CHOCOLATE
- Choco-Story Brussels – Chocolate Museum
📍 Rue de l’Étuve 41, 1000 Brussels.
1 minute from the statue, the museum offers a fun tour on the history of cocoa, with demonstration and tasting. Ideal for combining Manneken Pis + chocolate on the same street. - Leonidas Rue de l’Étuve
📍 Rue de l’Étuve 27 & 45, 1000 Brussels.
For “classic” Belgian pralines and gift boxes that are easy to bring back. Convenient, open every day and very close to the statue. - Elisabeth Chocolatier Manneken Pis
📍 Rue de l’Étuve 55, 1000 Brussels.
A small brand very popular for its quality pralines and sweets, often cited as a good alternative to ultra-touristy addresses.
FOR A COFFEE / A BREAK
- There are many cafés and tea-rooms around the Grand-Place and the Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes (a 3–5-minute walk from the statue): ideal for a hot chocolate or a gourmet coffee after the visit.
- The Halles Saint-Géry and Rue des Chartreux district, a little further towards Zinneke Pis, offers more local bars and cafes, with a more “Brussels than tourist” atmosphere.
Practical information
AGE :
Seeing the statue on the street is possible from a very young age. For museums, we recommend:
- Manneken WardrobePis : from 5–6 years old (short visit, fun costumes),
- Museum of the City of Brussels : from 7–8 years old to enjoy the explanations.
DURATION :
- Statue alone : 10–15 minutes (take pictures, observe details).
- MannekenPi Wardrobe : about 30–45 minutes.
- Museum of the City of Brussels : 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the age of the children.
LOCATION :
- Manneken Pis statue: intersection Rue de l’Étuve / Rue du Chêne, 1000 Brussels.
- Manneken WardrobePis: Rue du Chêne 19, 1000 Brussels.
- Museum of the City of Brussels (King’s House): Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels.
DATES & TIMES :
- Statue: visible every day, 24 hours a day.
- GardeRobe MannekenPis: Tuesday → Sunday, 10am-5pm (closed on Mondays, closed on some public holidays).
- Museum of the City of Brussels: Tuesday → Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Mondays, some public holidays; closing at 4 p.m. on 24/12 and 31/12).
LANGUAGES :
- Panels and materials available in French, Dutch, English (and sometimes other languages).
- Audio guides and brochures may be available at the museum (check on site).
ACCESSIBILITY :
- Statue on the street accessible by stroller and wheelchair.
- GardeRobe MannekenPis and Museum of the City of Brussels: accessibility planned, but some spaces may need help. For specific needs (PRM, stroller, etc.), we advise you to consult the official practical information or to contact the museums before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because it has several things: it is a historic fountain, a seventeenth-century statue, a symbol of Brussels folklore, and it has a wardrobe of more than 1,000 costumes. Along with the Atomium, it has become one of the most famous symbols of Brussels in the world.
No. The original statue from 1619 has been stolen several times. Since 1966, it has been kept in the Museum of the City of Brussels on the Grand-Place, and it is a copy that can be found at the fountain.
“Yes, at the GardeRobe MannekenPis, Rue du Chêne 19.” The museum presents a selection of costumes by theme. The combined ticket with the City Museum often allows you to visit both for a discounted price.
Yes, the street is cobblestone but accessible. For museums (GardeRobe and Musée de la Ville), accessibility is generally ensured, but some spaces may need help. Do not hesitate to check the practical information or contact them to prepare your visit.
