Bank of Canada Museum: Discover Canada’s Economic and Financial History

A Visitor’s Guide to the Bank of Canada Museum: Money, Finance, and Interactive Exhibits

The Bank of Canada Museum, located in Ottawa, is an engaging and interactive museum that offers visitors a deep dive into the world of money, banking, and Canada’s financial system. Situated within the Bank of Canada’s headquarters, the museum is designed to educate the public about the history of currency, the role of central banking, and the economic forces that shape Canada’s economy. With interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and a vast collection of historical currency, the museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning how money works and the role it plays in our daily lives.

A Modern, Interactive Museum Experience

Formerly known as the Currency Museum, the Bank of Canada Museum was reopened in 2017 after a major renovation that transformed it into a state-of-the-art museum. The museum is fully interactive, offering a fun and engaging way to learn about the financial system. From exploring the evolution of money to understanding how the Bank of Canadainfluences inflation, interest rates, and economic growth, the museum makes complex financial concepts accessible to visitors of all ages.

What to See and Do at the Bank of Canada Museum

1. Interactive Exhibits:
   • The Bank of Canada Museum is known for its interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore financial concepts in a hands-on way. Visitors can play games, use touchscreens, and interact with multimedia displays to learn about topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.
   • One popular exhibit lets visitors design their own currency, choosing the images and symbols they think should be on a banknote. It’s a creative way to explore the cultural significance of money and the art behind currency design.
   • Another exhibit allows visitors to track inflation, showing how prices for goods and services have changed over time. Through interactive charts, visitors can see how inflation affects the purchasing power of money.
2. Canada’s Currency Collection:
   • The museum houses an impressive collection of Canadian and international currency, showcasing the evolution of money from ancient times to the present. Visitors can see everything from early coins and banknotes to rare and unique bills issued by the Bank of Canada. The collection includes:
     • Early Canadian Banknotes: Examples of early Canadian banknotes from the 19th and 20th centuries, including notes from private banks before the Bank of Canada was established in 1934.
     • Gold and Silver Coins: The collection features historic gold and silver coins from around the world, highlighting the use of precious metals in early economies.
     • Polymer Banknotes: Canada’s modern polymer banknotes, introduced in 2011, are also on display. These high-tech bills are made from plastic and include advanced security features like holograms and transparent windows.
3. The Role of the Bank of Canada:
   • The museum offers visitors a comprehensive look at the role of the Bank of Canada in the country’s economy. Through interactive displays, visitors can learn how the Bank manages inflation, sets interest rates, and helps maintain financial stability in Canada. Exhibits explain complex economic concepts in a way that is easy to understand, making the museum an educational resource for visitors of all ages.
   • The museum also explains the monetary policy tools used by the Bank of Canada to achieve its goals, and how the Bank responds to financial crises.
4. Explore Your Personal Financial Profile:
   • One of the museum’s most interactive features is the personal finance exhibit, where visitors can take a quiz to determine their financial personality. Through a series of questions, visitors receive insights into their own financial habits, including saving, spending, and investing. It’s a fun and educational way to reflect on personal financial decisions and learn how to manage money more effectively.
5. Temporary Exhibits:
   • In addition to its permanent displays, the Bank of Canada Museum hosts temporary exhibits that focus on specific themes related to money, economics, and financial history. These rotating exhibits often feature rare items from the museum’s collection or highlight current financial issues affecting Canadians.
6. Family-Friendly Activities:
   • The museum is a great destination for families, with exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. Children can learn about the basics of money, saving, and spending through interactive games, while adults can dive into more complex financial concepts. The museum also offers family-focused programming during school holidays and special events, making it an educational outing for kids and parents alike.

Educational Programs and Events

The Bank of Canada Museum offers a variety of educational programs for school groups, families, and the general public. These programs include guided tours, workshops, and interactive presentations designed to deepen understanding of financial literacy and the role of the central bank.

• School Programs: The museum provides curriculum-based tours for school groups, focusing on financial literacy, the history of money, and the Canadian economy. These tours are interactive and tailored to different grade levels, making complex concepts engaging and accessible for students.
• Workshops and Lectures: Throughout the year, the museum hosts lectures and workshops on topics related to economics, personal finance, and central banking. These events are open to the public and often feature experts from the Bank of Canada and other financial institutions.

How to Get There

The Bank of Canada Museum is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa, within walking distance of major attractions like Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. It is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or on foot.

• Address: 30 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G9 (entrance on Wellington Street)
• Public Transport: The museum is accessible via OC Transpo buses, and the Parliament LRT Station is just a short walk away.
• Parking: There are several public parking lots nearby.

Visiting Hours and Admission

The Bank of Canada Museum is open year-round, and admission is free. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace, with interactive exhibits making it easy to navigate the various topics on display.

• Hours: The museum is open daily, but hours may vary on holidays or during special events.
• Official Website: https://www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca/

A Must-Visit for Financial Enthusiasts and Families

Whether you’re curious about the history of money, the workings of Canada’s financial system, or just looking for an engaging museum experience, the Bank of Canada Museum offers something for everyone. With its interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and focus on financial literacy, the museum provides a fun and educational way to explore the world of money and economics. Whether you’re a finance enthusiast or visiting with family, the museum is a must-visit destination in Ottawa.