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Belgians apparently like things that pee. I guess I can’t speak for all Belgians seeing as I only spent time in two cities in Belgium and am not a local. So I guess the statement would be more accurate as Brussel-ians(?) seem to like things that pee.
Brussels is home to what is probably the most famous peeing statue in the world: Manneken Pis (literally “Little Man Pee”).
Manneken Pis is a fountain where water comes from his…well…you can guess. At any moment of the day or night you’ll probably see a crowd forming on the corner of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat to watch this little boy urinate what you can only hope is just plain ole water.
Created in the early sixteen hundreds by Jerome Duquesnoy, the fountain has become a much-celebrated icon in Brussels.
In fact, you’ll see him in some form almost everywhere you look!
Maybe he will be eating a waffle…
Or in a chocolate shop…
Or in one of a rainbow of colors…
Or…as a french fry?
One of the traditions is to dress the boy up in one of many costumes. When I was there he was just plain naked. But a 4 Euro trip to the City Museum on the main square will get you access to an exhibit featuring much of his wardrobe! (And, you know, some other historical stuff).
One of those just screams Lady GaGa…
His American costume was Elvis.
And Canadian was a hockey player.
(Be sure to come back later in the week for more peeing statues in Brussels!)
About Val
Val is the founder and head road tripper at Silly America. Having grown up in a town with a fake liberty bell and a restaurant with a cow on the roof her attraction to roadside attractions started early. She's a photographer and competitive eating superfan and is semi-obsessed with milkshakes. Val is currently traveling the world and blogs about her life, food, and travels on her personal website.
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Wow, never knew about the wardrobe exhibit in the museum! I’ve seen him dressed in so many outfits while playing tour guide for visiting friends and colleagues…but never been into the museum! Thanks!
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