History

Manneken-Pis, meaning "the little man [who] pisses" in Dutch, is a fountain in the shape of a bronze statue 55.5 centimeters in height representing a naked little boy in the process of urinating. To be precise, the real name is Menneke pis. In Flemish or Dutch, but also in Brussels, een manneke is a little man whereas a menneke in Brussels means a little boy. It is located in the heart of Brussels, a stone's throw from the Grand Place.

Since 1965, the statuette on the spot is a copy identical to that designed in 1619-1620 which is preciously preserved in the Museum of the City of Brussels located in the House of the King.
Manneken-Pis is the most well-known symbol of Brussels, it also embodies their sense of humor and their independence of mind.

Folklore

The jet of water is, on the occasion of festivals, replaced by drinks. Thus, it is reported that in 1890, during large Brussels festivals that took place during two days, the little man distributed wine and lambic (beer from Brussels).
At present, some Brussels folklore societies have kept tradition for annual celebrations (Saint-Verhaegen, ...) to offer drinks by sinking beer by Manneken-Pis.

Wardrobe

Formerly, the costume was cut without cutting pattern. The sleeves were padded with cotton wool and ended with gloves.

It is only since 1945 that a boss allows the making of suits more adjusted.
The themes of the clothes are diverse and of all nationalities : costumes gala, military, student, folk, associative, musicians, sportsmen, famous people, legend

The wardrobe, which includes not far from a thousand costumes, is preserved in the Museum of the City of Brussels, located in the House of the King on the Grand-Place. In 2017, the City of Brussels opens a new museum space at 19, rue du Chêne, entirely dedicated to the presentation of the most emblematic clothes of the Manneken-Pis wardrobe.