Manneken Pis, Bogense

Manneken Pis in Bogense: The story of the foundling who became a consul

You don’t have to go all the way to Brussels to see the world’s most famous peeing boy. On the small, cozy square where Adelgade and Jernbanegade meet in the heart of Bogense, stands his "little brother" – a 60 cm tall bronze statue that has been the town's beloved mascot since 1934.

Two versions of the same story

Why is there a replica of a Belgian statue in a Danish market town? The answer lies with Willum Fønss, who gifted the statue to the town as a thank you for his childhood. There are two versions of how he ended up in Bogense:

• The fairy tale (and slightly embellished) story: Willum Fønss himself said he was a foundling, discovered abandoned on the ferry between Klakring and Bogense. Since no passengers would claim him, the kind butcher Levinsohn took him in and raised him as his own son.
• The true story: In reality, Willum was the illegitimate son of the butcher's daughter, Charlotte Emilie Levin. Since she was unmarried, it was considered a great shame at the time, so he was sent from Copenhagen to his grandparents in Bogense as an infant to ensure a safe upbringing.

From Bogense boy to successful vice-consul

Willum Fønss never forgot the town that welcomed him so warmly. After attending school at the Town Square in Bogense, he apprenticed as a hardware merchant before heading out into the wide world. He built an impressive career as an arms dealer, property owner, and merchant in Copenhagen, eventually earning the prestigious title of Greek vice-consul.

Despite his wealth and status, his heart remained in Bogense. In the 1930s, he showered the town with gifts, including a fountain and a sundial, but the 1934 gift – the replica of Manneken Pis – became the most famous. Willum was too ill to attend the inauguration himself, but he managed to visit the statue in the summer of 1934, shortly before passing away in May 1935.

Why a peeing boy?

The motif of the peeing boy – puer mingens in Latin – dates back to antiquity. It is a symbol of childhood innocence and freshness, but also a good deal of cheekiness and humor. When the statue was unveiled on March 20, 1934, by Willum’s daughter, Baroness Ellen Rosenkrantz, the little naked boy caused quite a stir among the more conservative citizens. Today, however, he is the pride of the town and celebrated his 90th birthday in 2024.

A little gentleman with a large wardrobe

Just like his big brother in Brussels, Manneken Pis in Bogense is often dressed up for special occasions. The tradition started in the 1950s with the checkered outfit of the children’s book hero Peder Most. Since then, he has worn everything from graduation caps to Santa costumes. On this page, you can see photos of his many different costumes, showing how the little guy takes part in the town's life and traditions all year round.

FAQ about Manneken Pis in Bogense

Where can I find the statue?

He stands on a small open square at the corner of Adelgade and Jernbanegade. It’s close to the old Town Square and easy to find on your walk through Bogense.

Is he an exact replica of the one in Brussels?

Yes, he is an exact copy and measures about 60 cm, just like the original. The big difference is the story of Willum Fønss, which makes our local version completely unique.

When does he get dressed up?

He gets his clothes on for town festivals, holidays, and local or national events – for example, the Rose Festival or the European Football Championship.