The Federal Reserve Bank in midtown Atlanta welcomes visitors who would like to tour its Monetary Museum and Visitor Center exhibits. Anyone who has ever wondered just what goes on in a Federal Reserve Bank will find the museum interesting and informative. The self guided tour chronicles the story of money from various forms of barter to modern day e-commerce. The museum also relates the history of banking in the U.S.
The Monetary Museum has interesting examples of what people through the centuries have used as barter, from wampum to Chinese shoe money to gold nuggets. There is an outstanding collection of historical monetary artifacts, including rare coins and currency from around the world as well as some Confederate money. Displays also include an actual gold bar worth $500,000 and a real $100,000 bill.
The Visitor Center has interactive touch screen exhibits which show the role of the Federal Reserve Bank in America. Multimedia exhibits and films explain how the Federal Reserve maintains the stability of the countrys financial system and the economy, and how the Federal Reserve regulates banks. The interactive Bankers Challenge game demonstrates how banks earn profits and manage risk. Through windows in the Federal Reserves cash processing center, visitors will be able to watch the process as robots and Federal Reserve personnel handle large amounts of cash. Millions of dollars are counted and sorted every day. Visitors will see how worn out currency is shredded, and watch as the cash bus goes back and forth all day. Even children will enjoy some of the interactive exhibits and the cash bus. Upon leaving the Visitor Center, guests are invited to take home an unusual free souvenir, a bag of shredded money.
The Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank is located at 1000 Peachtree Street NE. It is a hidden gem in midtown, just a five minute walk from the Midtown MARTA Station and across the street from the Margaret Mitchell House. One of the best things about the Federal Reserve Bank Museum is that admission is free. Visitors to the Federal Reserve Bank must pass through security before entering the building, and at least one adult in the party should have a photo ID. No cameras or bags are allowed, but free lockers are available. The Federal Reserve Bank is open Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm. The facility is not usually crowded, and the museum makes a great stop for people visiting downtown and midtown Atlantas other attractions.
