statue of Pieter Bruegel the Elder

The statue of Pieter Bruegel the Elder in Brussels is a bronze sculpture on the forecourt of Notre-Dame de la Chapelle (Kapellekerk), at the edge of the Marolles district. It honours the painter in the place most closely tied to him: his grave lies inside this church.

What does the statue show?

The sculptor is the Belgian artist Tom Frantzen. Bruegel sits at an easel with a small monkey perched on his shoulder, a funnel on its head. This playful detail echoes the satirical, ironic spirit of his paintings, where human foibles are observed with a wink. The monument is not a stiff pedestal figure striking a heroic pose but a small scene you can stop at, or even sit next to the painter.

Who was Pieter Bruegel the Elder?

Bruegel (c. 1525-1569) is regarded as one of the greatest painters of the Netherlandish Renaissance. He is known for scenes of peasant life, landscapes of the seasons and works full of moral allusions. Famous paintings include "The Hunters in the Snow", "The Census at Bethlehem" and "The Beggars". He spent his last years in Brussels, where he died in 1569. A large part of his legacy is held today by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels and by museums in Vienna.

Where exactly is it?

The sculpture stands on the square in front of Notre-Dame de la Chapelle, on Kapelleplein, close to Rue Haute (Hoogstraat) and Rue Blaes. This is part of the Marolles, a historic working-class district of Brussels known today for the flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle, antique shops and a lively, colourful atmosphere. Nearby, at 132 Rue Haute, stands a 16th-century house called "Bruegel House". Local sources say the tradition linking it to the painter is mistaken, but the building remains a curiosity for history lovers.

How to visit

Combine the statue with a visit to the church of Notre-Dame de la Chapelle, where a memorial to Bruegel stands by one of the pillars. From here it is a short walk to the Palais de Justice and Place Poelaert, with views over the city, and on towards the Grand-Place and the Sablon. A walk through the Marolles can end at the flea market.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The statue stands in open public space and can be seen at any time.

How long does it take? A few minutes for the sculpture itself, but allow more for the church and the neighbourhood.

Why does Bruegel have a monkey? The monkey with a funnel is a humorous nod to the satire in his paintings.

Who made it? Tom Frantzen.

Is it a good photo spot? Yes. Sit beside the painter and his monkey for a memorable shot, and the Marolles has many atmospheric streets to photograph.

Who is it for?

Art lovers, fans of Low Countries history and anyone seeking a less obvious Brussels beyond the Grand-Place and Manneken Pis. It is a short stop on a route through the Marolles that gives the walk context: here the painter lived, worked and was buried, and the city paid tribute with a humorous sculpture that suits his own pictures.