This remarkable building, constructed in 1821 in the late classical style, based on a design by architect Grawez of Dunkirk, was originally built as the mayor's residence. From 1851, it served as a nursery school, and from 1859 to 1992 as a convent for the Sisters of Holy Obedience, the so-called "blue nuns."

The imposing building holds significant historical significance in Belgian history. As a plaque on the facade indicates, Leopold, the first King of the Belgians, was welcomed here by the city council upon his arrival in Belgium on July 17, 1831.

Dating back to before the creation of Belgium, the building also witnessed two world wars. During World War I, the army occupied the building. It was assigned a more ancillary role: women made and maintained military clothing there. Shortly after the start of the war, in November 1914, the building was damaged. The nuns, who fled to France at the beginning of the war, didn't return until 1919.

During the Second World War, it was the German army that seized the monastery to house the Verkehrspolizei .