Touring the Money Factory – Open Despite Government Shutdown! 💵✨

Had a tour booked at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing today – right on the first day of the government shutdown! 😅 Called in the morning to confirm, and was told the tour was still on. So… let’s go! 🚶♀️🇺🇸 The BEP is located near the National Mall. Security to enter is pretty strict 🔍 – the confirmation email said even plain water wasn’t allowed, so I chugged half a bottle before entering… only to find out inside that “no drink, except water” was totally fine. 😂💧 The tour starts with a 5-minute intro video, then you get to see the entire process of how U.S. dollars are made – from blank paper to printing, stamping, inspecting, cutting, and finally boxing! 📦💵 No photos, recording, or videos allowed – if you try, you might get a “special invitation” to the police station next door. 🚔☕ What stood out was how engaged the staff were – they used a rod to press freshly printed, still-wet sheets of money against the glass for visitors to see up close! They even held up a sign saying “$64 million” while hugging a stack of cash – such a fun and lively vibe! 😄🎉 After the tour, the gift shop sells uncut sheets of currency as souvenirs. I bought a $100,000 bill magnet… gotta attract some wealth vibes! 🧲💰😂 Even though the government has shut down, Smithsonian museums are using their own funds to stay open until next Monday, 10/6. After that, who knows? On the way out, I also stopped by the Asian Art Museum 🏯 – the Porcelain Room now features beautiful Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain. Personally, I thought the previous more eclectic mix had more vintage charm... Also noticed the courtyard fountain changes colors – last time it was blue, but this time it was super green! 🌈💧 #WashingtonDC #GovernmentShutdown #BEPTour #MoneyMaking #DCTravel #Smithsonian #DCWithKids #FreeInDC #TravelUSA #USDC #EducationalTour #SouvenirShopping #DCGuide #WashingtonMonuments #DCMuseums #InkAndPaper #CashTour #FederalFacility #DCActivities #AmericanHistory