The Bank of Montreal in Old Montreal founded in 1817 is Canada’s oldest Incorporated Bank. The Bank was located in Canada’s central Financial District between the mid 19th and 20th century. The Bank served as Canada’s Central Bank until the founding of the Bank of Canada in 1935. It was the official Bank for the Government of Lower Canada ( Quebec ).
The Bank joined with other Banks to create the ‘Canadian Bankers Association in 1891.’ In the Post-War period the Banks were authorized by Government to purchase real-estate such as homes. In 1954, the Bank of Montreal was the first Chartered Bank to do so.
The Bank is located on Saint Jacques Street across Place D’Armes Square across the Basilica Notre Dame. The building is the home of the ‘Bank of Montreal Museum’.
The Bank, completed in 1847 was designed by Architects John Well. The building is in new-classical style. The sculpted pediment represents the era of the ‘Great Peace’ in Montreal with the aboriginal people’s. The pediment was executed by John Steel. There were additions to the building between 1901-1905 by N.Y. Firm of McKim, Mead & White.
