Manneken Pis Brussels photo

The most iconic symbols of Brussels

This professional photograph of the Manneken Pis captures one of the most iconic symbols of Brussels and a highly recognizable landmark for audiences all over the world. Centered on the famous bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain, the image offers a clear and detailed view that works perfectly for travel media, tourism marketing and editorial projects that need to identify Brussels at a glance.

Attributed to the sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy:

The Manneken Pis has been part of the city’s history for centuries and originally formed part of the network of public fountains in the medieval centre of Brussels. The current statue is attributed to the sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder and dates back to the early seventeenth century, surviving wars, urban changes, thefts and restorations over time. Because of this, the statue is often seen as a playful but resilient emblem of the city and its people.

Several popular legends surround the Manneken Pis

Several popular legends surround the Manneken Pis and add storytelling value to this image. One of the best‑known stories tells of a boy who saved Brussels by urinating on the burning fuse of explosives that were meant to blow up the city during a siege. Another legend describes the statue as a tribute from a grateful father who wanted to immortalize his son’s mischievous act near a battlefield or during a celebration. These tales give writers, editors and marketers flexible narrative angles to connect the photograph with themes such as courage, irreverence and local identity.

On special occasions, the boy is dressed

The statue is also famous for its extensive wardrobe of costumes, donated by countries, associations and institutions from around the world. On special occasions, the boy is dressed in outfits that reflect different cultures, professions and events, reinforcing his role as a small but powerful ambassador of Brussels. This cultural background makes the image suitable not only for tourism content, but also for pieces about European traditions, city branding and international relations.

Ideal for both digital and print use

From a practical perspective, this photograph has been created with professional quality standards in terms of sharpness, contrast and composition, making it ideal for both digital and print use. It can be used in travel blogs, online magazines, newsletters, destination landing pages and social media campaigns, as well as in printed brochures, guidebooks, covers, articles and educational materials. Depending on the license option you choose, the image can be used for editorial purposes, promotional campaigns or broader commercial projects.

By licensing this Manneken Pis photo

By licensing this Manneken Pis photo, you add a strong visual anchor to your content and instantly communicate the setting and mood of your story. Whether you are promoting Brussels as a destination, illustrating a cultural feature or simply needing a recognizable European landmark, this image offers a versatile and high‑impact solution for your designs and publications.

Available for digital and print licenses, with resolution suitable for magazines, brochures, covers and small to medium format posters.