Manneken Pis in Brussels

What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris and the Statue of Liberty is to New York, the figure of Manneken Pis is to Brussels. Although the tiny figure of a peeing boy is unparalleled to the two massive landmarks as far as size and spectacular effect, the Manneken Pis is just as dear to the hearts of residents of its home city. It hasn’t always been like this. The original version of the statue, cast in bronze by Jerome Duquesnoy, was installed on the site in 1619 and quickly became the favourite object of vandals. Destroyed a number of times, it has always been restored. On one occasion, the figure was shattered to pieces. The remains were used to create the mold from which the contemporary version of the statue was cast.

Throughout its history, the little Manneken Pis has had to face much more than the threat of vandalism. During times of war, it was always disassembled and hidden to avoid destruction in bomb raids. Several times, however, it was captured and carried away by invading troops. At one point, it was stolen by residents of the Flemish town Geraardsbergen, who claim that their own statue of the peeing boy is the oldest in Belgium. Many first-time visitors to Brussels are often surprised to see the Manneken Pis dressed. The little sculpted boy boasts a wardrobe of more than 600 costumes, kept for him in the King's House at the Grand Place. It includes folklore costumes and a collection of special outfits, such as the complete Elvis Presley or Mickey Mouse costumes.