💵✨Visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing—Smell the Money! ✨🏛️

📍 The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), established in 1862 and part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is responsible for designing and printing U.S. dollar bills. If you’re into currency, this is a must-visit! 🏛️✨Tour Experience: Security: Strict security checks are required before entry. Documentary: Start with a short film about the history and production of U.S. currency. Guided Tour: Visitors are grouped and led by staff to the printing facility, where you can witness the entire process—from paper selection to printing, cutting, and inspection. 🏛️✨Fun Facts: The printing machines operate 24/7, only resting on weekends. Each machine prints 12,000 bills per hour, totaling $300 million daily, which is sent to the Federal Reserve for circulation. 🏛️✨Tour Details: Duration: About 40 minutes, with English explanations throughout. Feel free to ask questions! No Photos: Cameras and phones are prohibited in the facility. Friendly Workers: They’ll hold up uncut sheets of bills to interact with visitors. You can literally smell the money in the air—it’s exhilarating! 💸 🏛️✨Gift Shop: Don’t miss it! You’ll find historical U.S. currency and uncut sheets of bills available for purchase at double their face value. Fun fact: The $2 bill is no longer in circulation, making it a unique souvenir. Tips: I visited in the morning. While some posts mentioned picking up tickets at a specific location, I found out at the exit that tickets are no longer required. Just head to the entrance (see image 3) for security checks—it’s free!🏛️📍 The BEP is close to the Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court, so you can plan a combined tour. Check my profile for related notes. Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (hours may extend in spring/summer—check before you go). #HiddenGems #CulturalSpots #USTravel #Travel #WashingtonDC #Currency #TravelTips #Museums #Memories #Photography #AmericanLife