Manneken Pis is a famous Brussels’ landmark, designed by Jerome Duquesnoy. It is a small bronze fountain depicting a naked little boy who is urinating into the fountain’s basin. It was put in place in 1618 or 1619 and is located at the intersection of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat. Just take left from the famous Grand Palace when you get to the Brussels Town Hall and continue walking for a few hundred meters.

The legendary Manneken Pis is composed of several versions detailing its origin. Tourists are most familiar with the story about a wealthy merchant, while visiting the beautiful city of Brussels with his family, had his beloved young boy go missing. Immediately, the merchant formed a search group that investigated every section of Brussels. It turned out that the child was found cheerfully urinating in a small garden, therefore being the inspiration for the Manneken Pis as a gift from the merchant to the city.

Our preferred version is of a young boy who was awoken by a fire and saved the day by putting it out by urinating on the fire and helped to stop the king’s castle from burning into pieces.

Manneken Pis is dressed in a costume many times every week. There is a schedule published and posted on the railings around the fountain. His wardrobe counts more than 800 suits. The Museum of the City of Brussels presents one hundred of these suits.

Each year, the non-profit association The Friends of Manneken-Pis review costume designs submitted and select a small number to be produced and used.

It is a fascinating ceremony when the costumes are changed and is accompanied by brass band music. The costumes usually selected represent the national dress of certain nations whose citizens choose the beautiful Brussels as a destination. Another theme of some of the costumes is based on uniforms from professions, associations, trades and even branches of military services.

Once in a while, the statue is connected with a keg of beer and cups are filled and given to people who just happen to be passing by.

Thousands of visitors in Brussels gather around the fountain each year. Brussels just would not be the same without this small boy called the Manneken Pis.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN BRUSSELS

Bloom Brussels Hotel

from 69 EUR (98 USD) »

Hotel Manos Stephanie

Boutique hotel with charm, ideal choice for the modern traveler. Centrally located in the heart of Brussels, just yards away from the most fashionable shopping and business district, our Hotel Manos Stephanie is a reflection of Brussels genuine hospitality. This hotel provides Free Wifi.

from 100 EUR (142 USD) »

The Centre Pompidou is currently hosting an exhibition of Arman from the 22nd of September 2010 to the 10th of January 2011.

..

Arman

Be a part of the Arman collection of art at the centre Pompidou. Be a witness to unparalleled post-war art as Arman is known as one of the leading figures and innovators of New Realism.  Find “ways to approach the real” as 120 of his works from the mid 1950’s towards the end of the 90’s define this style. While remaining in the same time frame, Arman’s work was made from a foundation of the consumer society’s production of manufactured objects.  Open your mind to two forms of his art as they are expressed as vectors and gestures. The exhibition demonstrates originality and relevance to modern times with seven themes that Arman’s art remain instructive and lively.

OPENING HOURS
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

ADMISSION

12 €, TR 9 € / 10 €, TR 8 €

More info: http://www.centrepompidou.fr

p

ABOUT MAYFAIR HOTEL

Epoque Classic Superior Hotel, Boutique Hotel in Paris > France

Upon arrival to Hotel Mayfair, right in Paris’ historical centre, between Place de la Concorde and Place Vendome, you will enter a quiet, intimate and lavish boutique hotel, suitably infused with soft light. The classic style interior decor was envisaged to reflect a spirit of authenticity and luxury. During the stay, the Hotel Mayfair’s Management and Staff will provide you with hospitality, courtesy and attention according to the finest French tradition. The Hotel offers a selection of room categories, with surfaces from 14 to 35 square meters, to oblige to every need and requirement: Single, Classical, Superior, De Luxe, Junior Suite and Family Room. All of the 51 rooms has its own style and harmony reflecting the endless classical Parisian style. At any time, after a tiring business day or an exciting tourist visit in Paris, you may relax while sipping a drink at the Bar and Lounge of Hotel Mayfair.