A Guided Visit to the Mont-de-Piété
Join us on Tuesday, October 15, for a guided visit to a venerable and little-known Belgian institution: the Mont-de-Piété, the only remaining official pawnbroker in this country. It is often a depot for amazing finds in estate jewelry, art, and much more.
Pawnbroking started legally in Italy in the 15th century when an Italian monk, Barnabé de Terni, created a charitable institution in Perouse in 1462 which would lend money to the poor in return for a pledge.
The Mont-de-Piété in Brussels was opened in 1618 under the reign of Archdukes Albert and Isabella, but today’s neo-classical building dates from 1862. It is the oldest official financial institution in Belgium.
Our guide will explain the history and purpose of the institution, and we will visit the building which includes an interior garden with a lovely pool and the remains of a Capuchin convent. After the visit, which lasts about 1½ hours, you are free to have lunch on your own at any of the many restaurants in the Marolles area and then return to the Mont-de-Piété for the auction at 1:00 p.m.
Please note that this visit is limited to 25 people.
Event Details:
Place: Mont-de-Piété, Rue Saint-Ghislain 21, 1000 Brussels
Date: Tuesday, October 15
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: €10 for ACB members, €15 for non-members
Public transportation: Buses 27, 48: Blaes; buses 34, 95, 96: Grand’Sablon
Sign up: Reservations are due by noon on Friday, October 11 by email (info@americanclubbrussels.org), online at www.americanclubbrussels.org, or by telephone to the ACB Office Manager (02/219.58.08). Payment to ACB at BE55427919588144 (KREDBEBB) will confirm your reservation. Be sure to mention “Mont-de-Piete” in the communications section of the virement. Cancellations are possible until noon on Friday, October 11. Participants canceling after this time, as well as no-shows, are charged the full cost of the event.
