Het Zinneke, Bronze sculpture in Senne Quarter, Brussels
Het Zinneke is a small bronze sculpture located at the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Grains, depicting a dog lifting its leg against a bollard. Standing about 50 centimeters (20 inches) tall, this outdoor piece remains permanently positioned at this street intersection.
Belgian artist Tom Frantzen created this bronze figure in 1998 as a contemporary work on a street corner in central Brussels. It continues a long tradition of humorous public sculptures that have become part of the city's character over time.
The name Zinneke refers to mixed-breed dogs that once roamed the Senne area, serving as a symbol for Brussels' multicultural identity and diverse population. This representation celebrates the coexistence of different communities throughout the city's neighborhoods.
The artwork stands at a busy street corner in the historic center and is visible around the clock without requiring entry fees or advance arrangements. The location is easy to access and ideal for photographs since it sits directly on the street.
The sculpture sustained damage in 2015 when a vehicle struck it, requiring repairs to its legs before the original artist performed a complete restoration. This restoration demonstrates how much this small work has become embedded in the city's community.
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