Manneken-Pis Becomes a Polar Explorer

Brussels, Monday, October 8 -- Brussel's world famous icon, the Manneken-Pis statue, turns into an Arctic and Antarctic adventurer this morning, when he is presented with a polar expedition suit by Belgian polar explorer Alain Hubert, to mark the tenth anniversary since the International Polar Foundation was established in 2002.

Access: The official presentation of the Manneken-Pis polar costume will be held in the Militia Room of Brussels City Hall 08/10/2012 at 11:00. Access is from the Grand Place, through a door at the far left of the Hôtel de ville/Stadhuis. The room is limited to 80 people - please come early to gain admission.

After this ceremony, a procession will depart to the Manneken-Pis with members of the Association of Friends of Manneken-Pis and authority of the City of Brussels, if schedule allows. The "Fanfare of Meyboom" will accompany the procession.

International Polar Foundation highlights the importance of the polar regions and the gathering of knowledge, through the work of scientific researchers, and explorers who tread new polar paths to participate in the collection of data. The foundation is the creator and operator of Belgium’s polar research station, Princess Elisabeth Antarctica. Foundation president Alain Hubert is a veteran of many polar expeditions, and is a passionate supporter of polar science.

Photographs of the event will be available by afternoon.

For more details, email dave.walsh@polarfoundation.org, +32 493 140 966 or call the International Polar Foundation on +32 (0) 2 543 06 98