Chicago Fed Money Museum — Attraction in Chicago

Visiting the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is a surprisingly enriching experience, especially considering the price of admission – a resounding FREE!

More than just a glimpse into the world of finance, it's an accessible and engaging journey through the history and function of currency, making it a must-visit for curious minds of all ages.

The museum's commitment to visitor comfort is clear with readily available and clean toilets, and the thoughtful inclusion of a movie with seating provides a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the Federal Reserve's role and the intricacies of the economy.

But the real treasures lie within the exhibits themselves. The museum excels at making what could be a dry subject incredibly fascinating. The standout sections are undeniably the US currency history and the displays on Military Notes. These exhibits meticulously trace the evolution of American money, from early forms of exchange to the intricate designs of modern bills. Learning about the different eras of currency, the challenges of counterfeiting, and the stories behind the faces on our money is genuinely captivating. The Military Notes section is particularly insightful, offering a unique perspective on how currency adapts and functions during war times.

And, of course, no visit is complete without receiving our very own free shredded money bill. This fun and tangible souvenir is a delightful reminder of the billions of dollars that pass through the Federal Reserve daily and adds a unique, memorable touch to the experience.

It offers interactive displays that explain economic concepts in an understandable way, demonstrating how the Federal Reserve impacts our daily lives. Visitors can even try their hand at identifying counterfeit currency, which adds an element of playful education. In an era where many attractions come with a hefty price tag, The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago stands out as a truly valuable and educational destination. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the cornerstone of our financial system in a comfortable, engaging, and absolutely free...

Fantastic, informative, interactive, AND free. What more could you want from a museum?

This museum far exceeded my expectations in terms of the scope of information and how it was presented. Impressed to see monetary policy turned into fun & quick games. All the interactive items in the museum were functional and educational, in a fun way. My 12yr old son quickly learned how to deny or approve loans, as well as raise or lower interest rates to fight inflation. The balls moving through the mouse-trap style maze was a cool representation of the economy, for those who could understand the analogy. Our favorite part was learning about counterfeiting and the role and how to test your own bills. Very thoughtfully designed and executed, right down to the way the money is inventoried to be recirculated or destroyed, the little “security cameras” gives you a sense of the speed of the process, scale of the job, and numerous checks through the process.

Exceptional use of out time for a free museum! We were very lucky to visit when it wasn’t busy and had time to move slowly and experience all the different stations. I think this small space is well designed and really helps explains the role of the FED, which most Americans don’t actually understand. I wish this museum were in EVERY city for...

Will Scrooge McDuck be jealous? I would definitely say Yes! Entry : Free Needed : Proof of identification. I carried my passport. Closed on weekends. I visited on Friday around 3pm in the afternoon. Walked from Wills tower to the museum. It took me 3mins to reach. The museum hours are 10am to 5pm weekdays. It took me half n hour to cover the displays. On entrance, i was asked my purpose of visit and was asked to show ID. One of the Feds took me with her to get security check done. It's like the one at the airport. I was asked to keep mobile, laptop and bag in the scanning tray. No need to remove shoes, belts. After the scan, i was allowed in the museum. You will find evolution of Dollar, information why money is a means of Barter system and how Federal bank works. There are many interesting facts. You can check if your dollar bills are counterfeit or not. Hope, they are real :D There are displays with 1millon dollar cash and briefcase. Man, it was amazing to see so much of money around. It was informative and interesting. Adding photos from the...