Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Welcome to the Atlanta Fed's Monetary Museum. By exploring an exhibit of historical artifacts, you'll discover the fascinating story of money—from barter to modern times. You'll also learn about the turbulent history of banking in America and see examples of rare coins and currency. The museum features a display on the history of money; interactive, multimedia exhibits explaining the Federal Reserve's role in the economy; and a view of the Bank's automated vault and cash-processing areas. All adult visitors and minors aged 5–17 entering the Atlanta Fed main office or one of our Branches must provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR or antigen rapid test result. Proof of vaccination or a negative test are not required for children under the age of 5. If you are unvaccinated and use a negative test result to enter, you must have taken the test on or after the Friday preceding the day you enter the building. In addition, you must wear a mask.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
247 reviews
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misterblutarsky
Algonquin, IL75 contributions
I read about this on Tripadvisor while looking for something to do the day after taking in a Braves game. Parking is close by and costs $5. The building is VERY secure and you'll need to show a driver's license and get badged. The museum is small enough and has enough displays and demonstrations that the kids won't be bored. If they do, take them to the back part of the exhibit where they can see a sheets of bills including actual $100,000 bills, lift an actual bar of gold, and then see pallet loads of cash being moved by robots. VERY COOL! In the reception area, don't forget to get your free bag of cash. The bills which are pulled from circulation because they're damaged are shredded and handed out as a cool take home.
Written August 3, 2009
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.
mmyk72
Boston, MA65 contributions
First off, thanks to previous reviewers (what you guys said are very accurate). I checked out the website first and it says to call for a tour - there is no need for calling. When entering the building, you go thru security screening first, then go to the front desk to get a temp badge after showing an ID. Any bags and cameras have to be put away in a locker (free and keys provided).
The 'History of Money' exhibit (about 9 glass cabinets side-by-side) was very interesting and informative. It shows a number of rare forms of money from antiquity in other countries. I read the description in each cabinet and really enjoyed all the info and the artifacts. I'd say this alone took about 20 min. I'd think kids younger than 12 wouldn't enjoy this bit (at least not for more than 3 min).
Other features that I enjoyed (other reviews already mentioned these): displays that teach how to spot counterfeit money, the $100000 bills, the gold brick, the money transport AGV's and seeing a part of FRB's internal operation (although you really can't see much).
The interactive displays are a bit dated IMO. I think the FRB in Philly has a much more modern exhibit in this regard. This was a good stopover for an afternoon (it was way too hot to do anything outdoors). Suggest planning 45 min for this. It's located across the street from the Margaret Mitchell house. If you're visiting, you can go to both in one trip.
The 'History of Money' exhibit (about 9 glass cabinets side-by-side) was very interesting and informative. It shows a number of rare forms of money from antiquity in other countries. I read the description in each cabinet and really enjoyed all the info and the artifacts. I'd say this alone took about 20 min. I'd think kids younger than 12 wouldn't enjoy this bit (at least not for more than 3 min).
Other features that I enjoyed (other reviews already mentioned these): displays that teach how to spot counterfeit money, the $100000 bills, the gold brick, the money transport AGV's and seeing a part of FRB's internal operation (although you really can't see much).
The interactive displays are a bit dated IMO. I think the FRB in Philly has a much more modern exhibit in this regard. This was a good stopover for an afternoon (it was way too hot to do anything outdoors). Suggest planning 45 min for this. It's located across the street from the Margaret Mitchell house. If you're visiting, you can go to both in one trip.
Written August 2, 2010
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.
Austin787
Austin, TX110 contributions
Nice presentations about the history of money, the role of the Federal Reserve banks in the nation's monetary system, spotting counterfeit bills, and how money is currently used. I loved the cash processing center where you can see employees sorting, counting, and bundling money. You also get to see robotic forklifts haul carts of money between the vault and cash processing center. As an added bonus, you get to take home a bag of cash - as dollar bills become worn they are shredded and placed in bags for visitors to take. And the entire museum is free.
A few things to keep in mind:
* The museum is open only on weekdays
* You will go through security (all bags are searched) and receive a visitor's badge
* Photography is not allowed
A few things to keep in mind:
* The museum is open only on weekdays
* You will go through security (all bags are searched) and receive a visitor's badge
* Photography is not allowed
Written April 20, 2010
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.
nhumbc
Jacksonville, FL104 contributions
Dec 2019
I happen to be in the area and had a few hours. So we decided to visit the Free Federal Reserve Bank museum. After going through the metal detector and signing in at the front desk with our IDs, we were given a badge to wear while we were there and were told to put all our bags in a locker that was provided free of charge.
There were various exhibits that were interactive to make it more fun and educational. There were about 5 areas for you to explore, which include a little movie area to watch 2 different films. At the end, as you exit the exhibit to the right is where you could get a free package of shredded money.
There is no parking at the museum, but there were pay street parking for about $2 an hour. Just go to the pay station and enter your license plate number and pay with cash or credit card. If you don’t mine walking about 5 minutes, there are free 2 hour parking on Juniper St and 10th St. NE from 9:30AM – 3:30PM during the weekday.
There were various exhibits that were interactive to make it more fun and educational. There were about 5 areas for you to explore, which include a little movie area to watch 2 different films. At the end, as you exit the exhibit to the right is where you could get a free package of shredded money.
There is no parking at the museum, but there were pay street parking for about $2 an hour. Just go to the pay station and enter your license plate number and pay with cash or credit card. If you don’t mine walking about 5 minutes, there are free 2 hour parking on Juniper St and 10th St. NE from 9:30AM – 3:30PM during the weekday.
Written December 13, 2019
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.
BrewsterPug
Madison, GA152 contributions
This is a very well done exhibit. The relatively new Federal Reserve building itself is both beautiful and impressive. The federal guards were very pleasant and helpful. The nuseum is immediately inside the front doors.
The exhibit is interesting with a ton of information on monitary history and a most amazing money collection. I do not ever recall having seen biblical coins like a Widow's Mite, scheckles, talents (I may not be spelling these correctly)..and coinsa and bills from throughout human history and so many cultures. I never knew these things survived.
I was with some friends and family so I kept my reading contained - could have spent another hour reading about our monitary system and history.
Not for younger kids!...For the many parents that disrespect the rest of the world, let me repeat: NOT FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN!!! That said, there are enough interactivew displays that a pre-teen may be engaged for 30 minutes.
Allow 2 hours if you like to inspect history and study civilizations or are just very interest in our monitary system and policy process.
Oh yeah...seeing the completely automated robot forklift thingies haul millions of dollars around was almost as neat as getting a keepsake bag of shredded money!!!
The exhibit is interesting with a ton of information on monitary history and a most amazing money collection. I do not ever recall having seen biblical coins like a Widow's Mite, scheckles, talents (I may not be spelling these correctly)..and coinsa and bills from throughout human history and so many cultures. I never knew these things survived.
I was with some friends and family so I kept my reading contained - could have spent another hour reading about our monitary system and history.
Not for younger kids!...For the many parents that disrespect the rest of the world, let me repeat: NOT FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN!!! That said, there are enough interactivew displays that a pre-teen may be engaged for 30 minutes.
Allow 2 hours if you like to inspect history and study civilizations or are just very interest in our monitary system and policy process.
Oh yeah...seeing the completely automated robot forklift thingies haul millions of dollars around was almost as neat as getting a keepsake bag of shredded money!!!
Written November 5, 2009
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.
packhawk
Minnesota65 contributions
I was killing some time while waiting for a tour at the Margaret Mitchell House and heard there was a money museum at the Federal Reserve Bank across the street. Note, you are not supposed to take pictures of the building, the security guard informed me. I went inside and was guided through an airport-like security check, then had to show ID at the front desk and then I was instructed to put my purse (and camera) in a secure locker room.I understand the tight security and was fine with it, and the guards were very friendly. There are several very interesting displays about money. Who knew there was a $100,000 bill? At the end you can watch the cash processing center, where people are counting, sorting, and shredding money.
I wish I could have spent more time at the money museum. I didn't catch the video. What I did see was very interesting. And best of all, the whole thing is free. If you have some spare time while in Atlanta, be sure and check this place out!
I wish I could have spent more time at the money museum. I didn't catch the video. What I did see was very interesting. And best of all, the whole thing is free. If you have some spare time while in Atlanta, be sure and check this place out!
Written January 20, 2009
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.
momma_christa
Cary, NC102 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
The facility in interesting - from the armed guards that meet you when you go in - to the armed K9 patrol that walks around the block making sure that all is safe.
The entire museum was interesting - with museum pieces of old money - wampum, bills, coins, all kinds of things. there were several exhibits that explained how loans work - from the consumers point and from the banks point and from the small business owners points.
Then you get to go watch them count the money. There are robotics that move the money around from delivery to processing to storage.....and dont forget to get your shredded money on the way out. Authentic.
Even our 10 year olds liked it.
The entire museum was interesting - with museum pieces of old money - wampum, bills, coins, all kinds of things. there were several exhibits that explained how loans work - from the consumers point and from the banks point and from the small business owners points.
Then you get to go watch them count the money. There are robotics that move the money around from delivery to processing to storage.....and dont forget to get your shredded money on the way out. Authentic.
Even our 10 year olds liked it.
Written July 23, 2013
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.
loisthomas23
Nashville, TN117 contributions
Jun 2011
After reading several reviews, I knew that the Federal Reserve was not to be missed. We loved it! Our favorite part was taking a bag of shredded money home with us. As soon as we walked up, the building was huge..It is very impressive from the outside. You can see an actual gold bar and a $100,000 bill. There are several interesting exhibits and you can see people handling millions of dollars behind the glass.
**When you arrive, plan to leave anything that you don't have to have with you in the car..there are lockers available(free of charge) to store items, but we just found it easier. Make sure at least one adult brings a license/id with them. No cameras are allowed. You then empty your pockets and go through security. **
**When you arrive, plan to leave anything that you don't have to have with you in the car..there are lockers available(free of charge) to store items, but we just found it easier. Make sure at least one adult brings a license/id with them. No cameras are allowed. You then empty your pockets and go through security. **
Written June 24, 2011
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.
aprilsumner
Soddy Daisy, TN343 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
I randomly heard about this free museum at the Federal Reserve bank in Atlanta. I am so glad we gave it a visit!!! Its free so our only cost was the $5 I paid to park for two hours about a block up in a parking lot.
Its in downtown Atlanta. Huge building. You are not allowed to take in any phones or purses etc to the museum so we had to go through a metal detector and then leave our stuff in a locker. I was sad we could not get pictures but I understand why they don't allow it. The guards working the entry area were nice. You do have to show ID to go in. I am not sure if they just record you visiting or if they run a background check lol but it took a minute.
But the museum is so nifty!! Several interactive things like lifting a gold bar, a game that teaches you about interest rates, movies that teach you about the federal reserve banks and what they do and where they are located etc, how to spot counterfeit money, the history of money. Very cool and educational. My two 10 year old boys LOVED it! They liked it more than Fern Bank that cost a lot to get into!
They give you free souvenirs too!! My boys each got a free postcard of the cash cow sculpture and a bag of shredded money! Then the best part is at the back if you go on Monday-Thursday you get to watch them actually process money!!! Like millions of dollars! You can see people doing their job of sorting, processing, counting, bagging and hauling money. You also see money being shredded. Its so cool.
This is an attraction not to miss! Highly recommend. We were able to park, walk there, go through the museum and back to our car within 2 hours. We went right at 9 when they opened and had the entire place to ourselves so recommend going early!
Its in downtown Atlanta. Huge building. You are not allowed to take in any phones or purses etc to the museum so we had to go through a metal detector and then leave our stuff in a locker. I was sad we could not get pictures but I understand why they don't allow it. The guards working the entry area were nice. You do have to show ID to go in. I am not sure if they just record you visiting or if they run a background check lol but it took a minute.
But the museum is so nifty!! Several interactive things like lifting a gold bar, a game that teaches you about interest rates, movies that teach you about the federal reserve banks and what they do and where they are located etc, how to spot counterfeit money, the history of money. Very cool and educational. My two 10 year old boys LOVED it! They liked it more than Fern Bank that cost a lot to get into!
They give you free souvenirs too!! My boys each got a free postcard of the cash cow sculpture and a bag of shredded money! Then the best part is at the back if you go on Monday-Thursday you get to watch them actually process money!!! Like millions of dollars! You can see people doing their job of sorting, processing, counting, bagging and hauling money. You also see money being shredded. Its so cool.
This is an attraction not to miss! Highly recommend. We were able to park, walk there, go through the museum and back to our car within 2 hours. We went right at 9 when they opened and had the entire place to ourselves so recommend going early!
Written April 3, 2018
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.
AndrewRNDiver
Wilmington, Massachusetts115 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
It was within a walking distance from our hotel so we decided to give it a try. Never thought that trip to Federal Reserve Bank could be enjoyable. Surprise, surprise! The museum is free and very educational! The trip is self paced. One can learn a lot about banking system and how federal reserve banks work. I enjoy exhibits with rare coins and first time in my life was able to see denominations like $500, $1,000, $10,000 and even a $100,000 bill. There is a shiny gold bar that one can try to lift - it is pretty heavy! Also, I enjoyed automatic robots that transport money, place where money is sorted, checked and shredded.
No pictures allowed inside, if you have camera or a cell phone you will have to leave it in a locker and take the key with you. Going in you have to go through the metal detector and empty your pockets but it is okay, understandable. As a souvenir you can take with you a bag or two of shredded money.
I learned a lot during this visit and even my seven years old daughter enjoyed it! Everyone should visit at least once.
No pictures allowed inside, if you have camera or a cell phone you will have to leave it in a locker and take the key with you. Going in you have to go through the metal detector and empty your pockets but it is okay, understandable. As a souvenir you can take with you a bag or two of shredded money.
I learned a lot during this visit and even my seven years old daughter enjoyed it! Everyone should visit at least once.
Written May 16, 2014
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.
Claudy C
New York City, New York
I visited Federal Reserve Bank of New York, there's any difference in this tour or it's the same tour and experience?
Written June 17, 2019
Hi, we have done both and this was very different to the New York tour.
Written June 17, 2019
Taking my elderly parents. Is there accessibility for a walker? Do they provide wheelchairs?
Written May 24, 2019
amyhennessy
Atlanta, Georgia
Yes, we have a wheelchair in our locker room and handicap accessible entrances.
Please remember to bring a state issued photo i.d.
Enjoy your visit.
Amy Hennessy
Director, Outreach and Economic Education
Written May 24, 2019
Oh yes, it will absolutely fit. You will enjoy visiting this place; very informative and interesting!
Written January 5, 2019
amyhennessy
Atlanta, Georgia
Hi Victor,
The museum is free to the general public We are open 9:00 - 4:00 p.m., M - F.
Hope you will come check it out.
Best,
Amy Hennessy
Director Economic Education
Written April 5, 2017
Hi, So this is a free correct? Also can we drop in or do we need to make an apponiment.
Written November 21, 2016
Yes it is free and no appointment needed. They also provide a free locker because you can not carry any bags of any sort.
You may want to check for holiday hours if you are going anytime soon.
Written November 21, 2016
can you actually see them processing the money. You said there is a "chance" and wasn't sure what you meant. Thank you--trying to decided whether to take me 13 and 10 year old
Written November 29, 2015
Yes. There are machines that count the $ under human supervision and robots that take the money into the vaults (no access). I would call first to make sure they are receiving visitors or go on their web site. Holidays can change regular schedules.
Written November 30, 2015
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