Chicago Fed Money Museum
4.7(495)google
4.7(97)yelp
EducationalInteractiveIndoor
Overview
Located within the historic Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in the financial district, the Money Museum offers a fascinating, highly educational look into the complex world of American currency and economics. This free-admission hidden gem features interactive exhibits where visitors can attempt to detect sophisticated counterfeit bills, view a stunning million-dollar cube comprised entirely of neatly stacked hundred-dollar cash bills, and snap a unique photo holding a suitcase packed full of real money. Best of all, every visitor walks away with a complimentary, memorable souvenir bag containing shredded authentic U.S. currency.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration45-60 minutes
Best TimeSince it is exclusively open during weekday business hours, plan your stop between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM as part of a walking tour of the Financial District. The free-admission museum lets you view a wall containing one million dollars in cash and pick up a complimentary bag of shredded real currency as a souvenir.
Getting ThereHoused inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago building. Take the 'L' Green, Brown, Purple, Pink, or Orange Lines to Quincy station, walk east along W Jackson Blvd for 3 minutes, and enter via the secure entrance at the corner of S LaSalle St.
Travel Tips
- Critical operational warning: The Money Museum located inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has formally ceased public museum operations and is permanently closed. The historic building functions exclusively as a secure federal banking workplace; remove this from your active itinerary.
- The facility is situated in the high-density financial center where curbside vehicle stopping is banned. After photographing the exterior, walk 1 minute south across Jackson Blvd to safely frame the famous canyon viewpoint of the historic Chicago Board of Trade building.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- While the interior is restricted, photographing the Grand Neo-Classical granite facade from public sidewalks is legal. However, heavily armed Federal Reserve Police maintain constant surveillance; pointing long telephoto lenses at security booths, access gates, or armored trucks is highly suspect.
Reviews
Positive
- Set inside the Federal Reserve Bank, this money museum offers quirky visuals; its million-dollar cube stacked with real $1 bills is fully authentic.
- It is free to enter, and upon leaving, staff hand everyone a complimentary bag of real shredded US currency, maximizing interactive fun.
- The interactive digital tools covering inflation and counterfeit anti-forgery features offer immense educational and scientific core value.
- Located in the heart of the Loop financial tracks near train hubs, convenience is unmatched, backed by modern accessible lifts and clear signs.
Heads up
- Embedded within an active federal bank, security protocols are strict anti-terror grade; screening at the gate is slow with tight entry lines.
- To maintain federal building safety, open hours are highly restricted, shutting completely on weekends and holidays, and open brief weekday hours.
- The actual exhibition footprint is tiny, consisting mostly of a single hall that can be covered in 20 minutes, feeling brief for a dedicated trek.
- It strictly bans large backpacks, liquids, or snacks; it features zero commercial concessions, lacks multi-language signage, and driving has zero lots.