Shifting Lenses

Sometimes “must-see” attractions can be a bit of a letdown, and initially, I would have put Brussels’ Manneken Pis in this category. Honestly, my expectations were pretty low going into it. The small statue and fountain itself met those low expectations, and the surrounding crowd exceeded my expectations.  

However, my appreciation for the landmark did grow after reading its history online. It’s only about 55.5 cm tall, and on the day we visited, it was sporting a tiny Montreal Canadiens outfit complete with a hockey stick. Apparently, this small bronze statue has around a thousand different outfits, which are displayed in a nearby museum.

The boy’s face has a mischievous look as he’s peeing into what used to be a town drinking water source. The earliest records of Manneken Pis go all the way back to the mid-15th century, and it has survived multiple thefts, wars, and invasions. 

As a piece of art, it’s pretty unimpressive by European standards. But what makes Manneken Pis truly special is its symbolism. It’s said to represent Brussels’ spirit of defiance, humor, and resilience, and it’s deeply woven into the local folklore and history. When you consider the sculpture’s history and symbolism, Manneken Pis absolutely deserves its spot on all the “must-see” lists. It’s an exceptional cultural landmark.