Did Antoine Demol ever imagine a plaque bearing his name, here on the wall near Manneken Pis? This very plaque, the Antoine Demol Plaque, commemorates the founding president of the Order of Friends of Manneken-Pis. Antoine Demol was more than just a name on a plaque. He was a Brussels journalist, a champion of folklore, and a protector of the city’s traditions. He wrote for “Laatste Nieuws,” joining the newspaper the day after Brussels was liberated in 1944. Demol wasn’t content with just writing about the city; he lived it. He was a member of numerous orders and confraternities, working tirelessly to preserve Brussels’ unique character. From the Romani people to the rituals of the Knights of Saint-Michel, from the Meyboom tradition to Manneken-Pis himself, Demol embraced the city’s vibrant tapestry. He even served on the city council, taking notes in a shorthand only he could decipher. “I keep everything,” he’d say, “all the proof of what I write!” One of his final joys was receiving the Medal of the City of Brussels. The Antoine Demol Plaque stands as a testament to his dedication to the city he loved.
Rue Albert Meurice – Albert Meuricestraat
Serenity Bar a yoga studio sits on Rue Albert Meurice. This quiet street in Etterbeek Brussels holds a peaceful energy.