Tag: National Bank of Belgium
Renaissance of a historical building in the heart of Brussels
Constructed in 1872, the building that housed the former Union du crédit de Bruxelles had not opened its doors to the public for almost 30 years. Defaced, pillaged, damaged by fire …the building was finally rescued and restored by the National Bank, which has now moved its library into the premises. It is open to the public.
The NBB Museum wins Public Prize
Nominated by a jury of specialists as one of the five Brussels-based candidates for this year’s Museum Prize, the National Bank of Belgium’s Museum did not scoop this prestigious award in the end. But, far better than any consolation prize, it was meanwhile chosen as the public’s favourite.
The NBB’s Museum nominated for the Museum Prize
If you appreciate the work done by the NBB Museum team and would like to help it along, don’t hesitate to vote for us. All you have to do is click the “votez pour moi” button, select “Bruxelles” and “Musée de la Banque nationale de Belgique”.
(Nederlands) Jaarverslag 2009: de PowerPoint-presentatie staat online
(Nederlands) Op 24 februari stelde gouverneur Quaden het Verslag 2009 over de economische en financiële ontwikkeling voor aan de leerkrachten economie uit de beide landsgedeelten. De slides die daarbij werden gebruikt, kunnen nu worden gedownload.
New educational pack
An updated and expanded version of the educational museum pack is from now on available in Dutch and in French. It can be downloaded from the Museum’s website in the sections ‘Lerarenkamer’ (NL) or ‘Salle des profs’ (FR)
Art and Money
The National Bank of Belgium supports like a number of other companies and central banks contemporary artists. Since the acquired works are hung up on the walls of its premises, they are not usually seen by the public. From time to time a work is presented in a public hall, like the Museum of the NBB, where it can be admired by the public at large.
1851: The first-born notes of the National Bank
Nowadays, the National Bank of Belgium is the only financial institution authorized to print banknotes in Belgium. However, this has not always been the case. During the first half of the 19th century several banks put their own notes in circulation. The Bank which was founded by law of 5 May 1850 issued its first series in 1851.
The Museum’s façade
Before looking at the Bank’s oldest façade in detail, a few more words on the Hôtel of the Governor itself. The Old French word, “hôtel” has been used since the 18th century to signify the urban residence, temporary or permanent, of a person of high rank, in this case the Governor of the National Bank of Belgium. The statutes of the Bank stipulated that the Governor should live in the capital; in return, the Bank was to be responsible for the cost of furnishing and maintaining his town residence.
Expo ‘58, the Atomium and the National Bank of Belgium
The Universal and International Exhibition - Brussels 1958, Expo ‘58 for short, opened its doors 17th April north of the Brussels city centre at the Heysel plains with the Osseghem Park in the middle. Before the final closure of the gates on October, 19th almost 42 million people visited the Expo and Brussels was completely transformed.
