Bank of England Museum
Bank of England Museum
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
About
This fascinating Museum, located within the impressive walls of the Bank of England, tells the history of the Bank from its foundation in 1694 to the present day. Its unique collections of coins, banknotes and artefacts are supplemented by audio-visual and interactive displays. Visitors can even handle a real gold bar!
Exciting new displays and exhibits have been added to the permanent galleries following a period of renovation.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighborhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighborhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- Bank • 2 min walk
- Bank • 2 min walk
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2,870 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- QueenslandTommyBurpengary, Australia1,621 contributionsIts Gold ClassA nice museum to spend 1 hour understanding the history of the bank of England , you can download a audio guide or the guide on your phone , some good information, interactive items for both young & old. A couple of video presentation with seating and the highlight of lifting the 13 kilo gold bar. The gift shop has a good variety of gifts, the staff are pleasant and the museum is worth a visitVisited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 15, 2024
- dragoon17cDublin, Ireland506 contributionsAn introduction to the history of the Bank of EnglandThe Bank of England Museum introduces the history of the Bank of England and the history of British currency. The museum is located next to the Bank of England, near the Bank Underground Station, and is open to the public free of charge. The museum is not large and does not contain many exhibits. The entire visit can be completed in about an hour. If you are interested in history, this attraction should not be missed.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 19, 2024
- The Codnor TravellerCodnor, United Kingdom214 contributionsWell worth a visitAcross the road from the Wellington statue over on Threadneedle Street, is the wonderfully imposing building belonging to The Bank of England. I popped inside to change out some old banknotes and then my wife and I went around the corner where you can gain access to the Bank of England's Museum. It's a fascinating place with some great exhibits. We began in a beautiful and sparse room for Long Annuities, which has some information about the banks architecture and beginnings back in 1694. I was captivated by the original banknotes they have on display. It's incredible that these have survived, even though their condition could not be described as Very Fine. They even have a £1,000,000 banknote on display, too, dating from the 1800s. These are used internally only (obviously), but it is still fantastic to see one in person. Presumably that note still carries a face value... Gold is obviously a large part of what the Bank of England does, and so there are obviously quite a few fold objects on display, including an exquisite Queen Anne gold guinea, which I'm sure could be used to buy my entire house. They also have a solid gold bar that you can try and lift - much like at The Royal Mint. Towards the end of the Museum you see some wartime exhibits tied to the Bank and to money in general and then you end up in the modern day, and this is where the place soured a little for me. Undoubtedly cash is used less these days, however the exhibits and information in the final part of the Museum seemed more like a sales pitch not so much for crypto currency, but certainly for the digital currency the Bank of England will be introducing. It was sad really. A cashless society is a very depressing thought, and yet judging by the final part of this Museum, it cannot come soon enough for The Bank of England. All in all I am very glad I visited this museum. It's right up my street, and I enjoyed it - with the exception of the digital sales pitch...Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 29, 2024
- Nicholas Hart50 contributionsGreat half a day spent!Loved our time here, small but could spend half a day here. Great fun for children with plenty to do, the highlight being holding the gold. Great staff and imformative who were willing to answer any questions, particularly those of the children which was lovely.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 8, 2024
- Teacake_TasterChesterfield, United Kingdom1,215 contributionsThe Future of Money…The entrance is down a side street and easily missed and once inside there is airport style security screening. Went just after opening and did take too long to get in but we soon got kicked out be a real fire alarm and went for a coffee. It was a bit busier when we got back. There’s quite a lot to see and some interactive displays. There was a talk in the main area open to everyone but we didn’t stay for that. It is a fascinating history of money and trading in the City and across the world. Really interesting and up to date. Nice toilets too and a small gift shop for coins and various other things.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 8, 2024
- LH090909097 contributionsIf you are nearby, feel free to go in have a look!This is a great spot to spend 1-2 hr to learn the lovely finance history of UK for free without booking. There are some interactive exhibit that kids and adult will enjoy. Everyone are having fun to lift the gold bar.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 8, 2024
- Barbara1407Enfield, United Kingdom105 contributionsGood free museum worth a visitI've been to very many museums in London. This was one I'd never even heard of. Whilst it is comparatively small, I thought it was very varied and interesting. We stayed over 2 hours but suspect for most people 90 mins- 2 hours is probably long enough. Still not bad for a free museum!Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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jw1983
Leicester, UK728 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Visited here on a damp weekday in London. The museum is rather small and can be covered in about an hour but it’s well worth a visit as it is free. It is very informative and the chance to handle a genuine gold bar is good fun and surprising! It can feel rather full if a school group is in, as it was today, but we simply started at the other end and moved backwards.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mason BB
Castleford, UK85 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A rainy day in London and in want of a museum experience that’s just a little bit different! This was a great choice!
The museum is actually rather small, and you can cover everything reasonably throughly within an hour, but when it’s free entry, I can’t complain! There are several fun pieces, and some great interactive exhibits for both children and adults alike. Also, because it is likely a lesser-known museum to the biggies like ‘National History’, it’s a lot quieter making for a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
I r really do recommend this place; it passes on some time for you, and has some really insightful information about money on the UK!
The museum is actually rather small, and you can cover everything reasonably throughly within an hour, but when it’s free entry, I can’t complain! There are several fun pieces, and some great interactive exhibits for both children and adults alike. Also, because it is likely a lesser-known museum to the biggies like ‘National History’, it’s a lot quieter making for a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
I r really do recommend this place; it passes on some time for you, and has some really insightful information about money on the UK!
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KH
London, UK675 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
This is a money museum attached to the Bank of England's headquarters. There is a catchy exhibit where you can "hold a gold bar", but most of the exhibits are serious and educational, teaching you about the history of money. There is also a shop where you can purchase merchandise.
It is generally only open during business hours on weekdays, but is open until 8pm on the third Thursday of every month.
It is generally only open during business hours on weekdays, but is open until 8pm on the third Thursday of every month.

Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
London, UK8,092 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
If you have an interest in all things financial, you’ll probably get a lot more enjoyment from this compact museum than I did.
Founded in 1694, the Bank of England is the central bank of the UK. Though you can't actually access the inner sanctums of this bank, you can pay a visit to the museum located inside the complex and learn more about the financial system, the history of the Bank, as well as its importance in today's economy.
The museum's collection contains some 40,000 items. Through interactive and child-friendly displays you’ll get a glimpse into the Bank of England’s historic buildings, and find out a bit more about what it does today. You’ll see some of its vast collection of Bank of England banknotes, the machinery used in their production, and a selection of banknote counterfeits. Other objects on display include coins, silverware and a 13kg gold bar.
There’s a lot to read, and some of it is quite dull. However, some of the displays are interactive, and there’s a smattering of audio-visuals, and games geared towards children and students help explain how the Bank keeps prices low and stable, and ensures the financial system is safe and sound. There are five themed displays. I found the Banknote Gallery at the far end of the museum area the most interesting. The round room known as the Rotunda is the most visually and aesthetically pleasing from an architectural point of view. The current building which houses the Bank of England dates from the 1920s.
You can take a selfie in the ‘gold corridor’ or lift a real gold bar for yourself. It won’t take you long to see it all, as the museum is not huge. It’s free to enter, but only open on week days, from 10:00 to 17:00. Be prepared for hordes of school students; their noise and exuberance weren’t exactly conducive to a visit where some concentration is required. Accessibility is provided for those using mobility assistance.
The museum is located in Bartholomew Lane off Threadneedle Street. Bank is the closest underground station. There is airport-style security on entrance… and you won’t be able to make off with the gold bar.
Founded in 1694, the Bank of England is the central bank of the UK. Though you can't actually access the inner sanctums of this bank, you can pay a visit to the museum located inside the complex and learn more about the financial system, the history of the Bank, as well as its importance in today's economy.
The museum's collection contains some 40,000 items. Through interactive and child-friendly displays you’ll get a glimpse into the Bank of England’s historic buildings, and find out a bit more about what it does today. You’ll see some of its vast collection of Bank of England banknotes, the machinery used in their production, and a selection of banknote counterfeits. Other objects on display include coins, silverware and a 13kg gold bar.
There’s a lot to read, and some of it is quite dull. However, some of the displays are interactive, and there’s a smattering of audio-visuals, and games geared towards children and students help explain how the Bank keeps prices low and stable, and ensures the financial system is safe and sound. There are five themed displays. I found the Banknote Gallery at the far end of the museum area the most interesting. The round room known as the Rotunda is the most visually and aesthetically pleasing from an architectural point of view. The current building which houses the Bank of England dates from the 1920s.
You can take a selfie in the ‘gold corridor’ or lift a real gold bar for yourself. It won’t take you long to see it all, as the museum is not huge. It’s free to enter, but only open on week days, from 10:00 to 17:00. Be prepared for hordes of school students; their noise and exuberance weren’t exactly conducive to a visit where some concentration is required. Accessibility is provided for those using mobility assistance.
The museum is located in Bartholomew Lane off Threadneedle Street. Bank is the closest underground station. There is airport-style security on entrance… and you won’t be able to make off with the gold bar.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania40,127 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Not very big, not very impressive. You learn about the establishment and evolution of the bank, you can see different coins and banknotes, some gold bars of various sizes, you learn information about the printing of banknotes and their security elements.
Entrance is free.
You need a maximum of 45 minutes to visit it.
Entrance is free.
You need a maximum of 45 minutes to visit it.
Written June 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marbles20
Calgary, Canada299 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Enjoyed this more than we planned!
Great displays on role of inflation (anyone can understand this - really good displays & not too “economist” ;), development of currency, history of British banking, gold and more.
We thought this was a 1 hour stop and we ended up spending 2+hours…..still could have done a bit more.
This is a hidden gem for sure - an interesting stop for anyone whether you like detail or the “snapshot” (and who doesn’t want to lift a gold bar?)
Great displays on role of inflation (anyone can understand this - really good displays & not too “economist” ;), development of currency, history of British banking, gold and more.
We thought this was a 1 hour stop and we ended up spending 2+hours…..still could have done a bit more.
This is a hidden gem for sure - an interesting stop for anyone whether you like detail or the “snapshot” (and who doesn’t want to lift a gold bar?)
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sheepygold
london5,524 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
I brought some friends here. This free museum is located in the Bank of England itself in rooms that were reconstructed a few decades ago to Sir John Sloane's original design. It covers the development of the bank itself and also our currency. The most unusual exhibit is the 13kg solid gold bar which you can lift with your bare hands! We spent a good hour here. There are toilets but no cafe.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MellWard
Tamworth, UK433 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was so fascinating. Seeing money from the 1950s right upto today. Especially the notes how they have changed over the years. Staff were really nice This Museum isn’t one you would think of doing but think again it’s well worth it
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob
St. Neots, UK298 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited the museum in an afternoon to fill in time before going to a West End show in the evening. It is free entry. Even though it is a fairly small museum there is a lot to see and interactive displays spread around. Nostalgic to see all the old currency i was brought up with from the early 50s to the current and pending currency. Don't forget to try and lift the gold ingot ! Gift shop is a bit pricey for some items bu I did buy the wife a BOE Teddy Bear for her collection :)
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJ
Austin, TX1,636 contributions
Sep 2022
Free museum with very kind, nice security personnel. Somewhat interesting presentation, lots of detail, and don't miss the chance to see if you can lift a gold bar. Shop is woefully empty, with a shopkeeper who couldn't be bothered stocking items that had clearly already arrived, yet sat languishing in a box instead of generating revenue.
Such a missed opportunity for them to have more items aligned with the Bank and currency of England. Limited edition / special edition coins should have been well-stocked, but as it was the cabinets were empty except for 2-3 designs.
Such a missed opportunity for them to have more items aligned with the Bank and currency of England. Limited edition / special edition coins should have been well-stocked, but as it was the cabinets were empty except for 2-3 designs.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
¿Cómo podríamos reservar una visita de grupo al Banco de Londres?
Written October 2, 2023
Hi Eduardo, it says on their website if there are 15 people in your group then you can just turn up. More than 15 and you will need to fill out a form on their website to arrange a visit. Entry is free regardless.
Written October 3, 2023
Not at the museum but you can at the actual Bank of England.
Written May 8, 2023
Hi. Is it open even during Bank holiday (26 th august)?
Written July 29, 2019
Did you have to queue to get in? If so what time of day did you go?
Thanks
Written July 22, 2018
No queue just walked straight in its free as well. Can't see you'd ever need to queue although I would think you'd have to notify them if it was a group.
Written July 28, 2018
Give yourself an hour to read everything, take part in the interactive displays and go back to see things that really interest you.
There is a display to lift up a solid gold bar with one hand, which is fun, but I arrived just after a party of college kids so it took a while of waiting in line to get to it.
Entry is free and the displays are well laid out; there is airport style security with Xray machines on entry, so don't bring any bulky bags - the security process can be slow if you are behind a large party.
It is also worth going into the actual banking hall next door to see the magnificent room.
Written February 19, 2018
Good for silkworms
Not so good for tourists 😉
Written March 24, 2017
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