Each year, more than 40,000 people visit the fun and informative exhibits at the Money Museum in Chicago. Make sure you remember your camera because you can even take home a free photo booth picture with your face on a $100 bill.
About the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s landmark building is in the city’s financial district and at the time of its construction in 1922, was described as an architectural marvel. The monumental building holds a classic, Greek-revival style soaring 17 stories high. As one of twelve regional Reserve Banks, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago plays an important role in maintaining a healthy, growing economy.
Priceless Experience
The Money Museum provides educational, entertaining and interactive exhibits. The guided tour begins with an introduction to the attraction while stepping over a glass display case set in the floor, filled with thousands of coins illustrating the variety that has been minted over the years. The history of currency display explains the Federal Reserve and its role. The inflation exhibit describes the effects, why the feds fight inflation and who is most affected by it. An additional presentation of $1,000,000 uses $20 bills to show how inflation affects the purchasing power of that money. A counterfeit exhibit shows the design elements and security features incorporated in US currency and even teaches you how to spot a fake bill! The money shredding exhibit explains what happens with unfit currency, recirculating fit currency, and how new bills are issued. Another million dollar exhibit displays one million $1 bills, weighing 2,000 pounds, stuffed in a glass cube. The fun and final exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to hold and pose with a suitcase filled with one million dollars in $100 bills. Tours will then wrap up with a final question and answer session.
- Government issued identification is required for all adults and there is a security screening to enter
- The Museum is wheelchair accessible
- Photography is permitted
- Free souvenirs given – bag of shredded money and a photo of yourself next to $1,000,000.