Money Museum — Attraction in Kansas City

Hanging Out with George

I took the time to let my curiosity roam and found one of the most interesting free tours in Missouri. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is an impressive regional headquarters of the central bank of the United States. I’m embarrassed to say that it’s taken all this time for me to explore a site that’s located in my own backyard. Within the buildings design of clean, simple lines, space and pleasing light, is a trove of information, photos, displays and an actual work force on site. Read about the monetary policy and how the Federal Reserve controls the supply and tracking of currency as the regions demand for cash determines it. Through easy to read displays, learn of the supervision and regulation of banks throughout the nation as the Federal Reserve promotes steady growth and expansion in the economy. You will discover how money is distributed to banks as well as what steps are taken to replace worn out and counterfeit bills. A few quick fun facts- Try to lift the 27-pound, 389.27 oz gold bar that was cast in 1959 at the U.S. mint in San Francisco. It takes 24 minutes for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to print 10 million new 100.00 bills! In 1988, the bank pneumatic tube messaging system, installed in 1921 was taken out of commission. If you spent one dollar every second, it would take 15 months before you spent 40 million dollars. During your visit, check out the Truman Coin Collection then make your way to the cash vault to view money being counted and stored. Overall: This free self-guided tour is a great way to get a better understanding of the Feds purpose as well as introducing children to the importance and value of saving, investing and that money doesn’t...

They had a room with a video about the federal reserve that was quite dry. Wish they had maybe 2 or 3 with varying topics still related instead of one on a loop with someone named 'penny' wow they try a little too hard to be cutesy. The staff who spoke to me upon arrival were brief without emotion. The mentions of mostly geared towards children is correct, however has 2-3 hours of material for adults to read as well if interested. I have always found banks and the fed interesting and after almost 2 hours had to leave due to it being so dry and the staff unfriendly at a museum? One lady after you enter was behind a counter on a zoom call talking about a logo and would not answer any of our questions...she was too important working at the front desk of money museum at federal reserve bank...one other staff member was giving her family a private tour was kind enough to answer a few questions. Wasn't kind enough to allow me to join their more informational tour..bag of shredded money and comic books for kids are great. clean museum expect 1.5-2 hours to check it all out. Monday here was uneventful for vault viewing. Free entrance was nice about 15-20 min walk...

There is so much to learn, and everything is presented in such an easy format to take in. Lots of great little activities and exhibits for kids.

There are some activities that are better for younger kids, like creating your own dollar bill (they have a station with a blank currency note and crayons, where you can shade different patterns that are embossed off the table), but there are even more activities that are good for older kids, like learning the distinction between wants and needs, and balancing your activities to meet your budget goals.

There was a film playing when we got there, which talked about the history of how the Fed came to KC, and although I didn’t get to watch all of it (my 4 year old was tired) I found it fascinating and informative.

It’s fun to be able to take home a little bag of shredded, unfit currency too. Each visitor can take one bag, and it’s branded with the “billion dollar experience” logo.

All in all, a very fun, free experience. Would...