Manneken-Pis de Colmar (Little Pissing Man of Colmar), Colmar

Little Pissing Man of Colmar (Manneken-Pis de Colmar) is a playful bronze fountain statue located just outside the Ancienne Douane (Old Customs House) in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Created in 1922 by local sculptor Auguste Bartholdi-nephew of the famed Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, designer of the Statue of Liberty-this cheeky figure was modeled after the more famous Manneken-Pis in Brussels. Though smaller in scale, Colmar’s version carries its regional charm and a touch of Alsatian irreverence.

This lighthearted fountain has become a beloved local fixture, offering a humorous contrast to the grand façades and Gothic architecture surrounding it. The statue’s mischievous nature often surprises first-time visitors, as it stands quite modestly among more formal landmarks like the Koïfhus and nearby Pfister House. Its simplicity and playful subject matter have made it a popular photo stop, especially for those with an eye for the unexpected in Colmar’s otherwise picture-perfect streets.

Unlike its Brussels cousin, Colmar’s Little Pissing Man rarely dons costumes or celebrates public holidays. Instead, it quietly delights passersby throughout the year, its water trickle a subtle but constant presence. Though often overshadowed by the city’s more monumental attractions, this whimsical figure invites visitors to pause and appreciate Colmar’s lighter side-proof that even in a town steeped in medieval grandeur and Renaissance artistry, a little humor still flows freely.

For those exploring Colmar on foot, the Little Pissing Man is easy to spot near Old Customs Square (Place de l’Ancienne Douane), adding a quirky final note to any walking tour of the old town.