GardeRobe MannekenPis

About the museum

The Manneken-Pis is dressed almost half the year, and his wardrobe now contains more than a thousand costumes. The first known mention of a fountain of this name dates from 1451, and in 1755 an official dresser was appointed for the first time, a certain Henri Wauters. The Brussels authorities or the governors-general already offered costumes for festivities in the 17th century.

After the First World War, many donors, notably veterans' associations, gave a costume; between 1919 and 1940 the statuette received a new outfit each year. Today the collection grows by 20 to 30 costumes a year, each one catalogued and kept like a work of art, then officially handed over to the City and unveiled at the fountain.

The GardeRobe MannekenPis, located on the rue du Chêne, displays around 140 of these costumes by theme: geographical origin, designers, characters and personalities, trades, sports, charitable and civic associations, carnivals and folklore. The costumes on show rotate regularly, and an interactive terminal allows you to browse the entire collection. The museum is one of the museums of the City of Brussels.

Highlights

• Around 140 costumes displayed by theme
• Collection of more than a thousand costumes from around the world
• Interactive terminal to browse the entire collection
• Free audio guide and trail game for families
• Combined ticket with the Museum of the City of Brussels (Maison du Roi)

Permanent exhibition

• La GardeRobe MannekenPis – collection de costumes – Around 140 Manneken-Pis costumes presented by theme, with displays that are renewed regularly and an interactive terminal to consult the whole collection.

Operated by

Ville de Bruxelles

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month

Free admission, on presentation of an official card, for City of Brussels staff, professional tour guides, holders of the museumPASSmusées or the Brussels Card, and members of ICOM and ICOMOS. The booklet “10 clés” is available free of charge at reception (€1 to take away). No cheques or travellers' cheques: payment in cash, by Bancontact or by credit card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility on request, via the rear of the building. There are no accessible toilets. An Access-i accessibility report is available. Pushchairs are not admitted inside; they can be left at reception, depending on the space available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available

Visit recommended from age 3. A free colouring book is offered from age 3 and a trail game with puzzles from age 5. The museum is officially approved by and for children.

Getting there & parking

The museum is a 2-minute walk from the Manneken-Pis fountain, 5 minutes from the Grand-Place and 10 minutes from the Anneessens stop. There is no bicycle parking on site: Cyclo parkings are located at Gare Centrale and at Bourse station.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available

The shop sells fridge magnets, postcards, playing cards, publications, activity books and small Manneken-Pis souvenirs. There is no cloakroom: suitcases and travel bags are not allowed in the museum; a left-luggage facility is at Gare Centrale. There is no restaurant on site; there are venues around the Grand-Place.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit