Bank of England Museum
Bartholomew Lane
EC2R 8AH
T: 020 7601 5545
Visitor Information
Open: 10am-5pm Mon-Fri
Standing in the heart of the City, and at the centre of the UK's financial system, is the impressive Bank of England, sometimes known as the 'Old Lady' of Threadneedle Street. Founded by Royal Charter in 1694, today its role is to "promote and maintain financial stability" – and many eyes have recently been focused its way because of events in the banking world.
The museum tells the story of the Bank from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the regulator of interest rates and issuer of banknotes. Historical displays include the Bank's own collections of books, documents, silver, prints, paintings, banknotes, coins and photographs. There is a glistening display of gold, including Roman and modern gold bars, alongside pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank. Despite its seemingly 'grown-up' subject matter, the museum is a great place for kids – interactive money presentations for varying age groups are very entertaining. There is also a selection of talks for adults.
Accessibility
Read what DisabledGo say about access to the Bank of England Museum.