The Bank of Canada Museum (formerly the Currency Museum) is a public museum operated by the Bank of Canada in downtown Ottawa. It interprets money, inflation, central banking, and Canada’s monetary history through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and one of the country’s largest numismatic collections. Content is presented in English and French.
| Type | Public museum (money, economy, central banking) |
|---|---|
| Operated by | Bank of Canada |
| Location | Within the Bank of Canada complex in downtown Ottawa, Ontario |
| Focus areas | Canadian money & bank notes • coins & medals • inflation & prices • payments & financial system • central bank history |
| Languages | English & French |
| Official sites | bankofcanadamuseum.ca • bankofcanada.ca |
Overview
The Museum explains how money works and how the central bank supports a stable economy. Galleries combine artifacts and multimedia with interactive stations where visitors can explore topics such as inflation, the creation of bank notes, payments, and financial decision-making. School programs align with Canadian curricula, and public talks/temporary displays highlight current themes in economics and design.
Collections
The numismatic collection spans Canadian and international items:
- Canadian bank notes from colonial, chartered-bank, and modern eras; specimen and test notes
- Circulating coins, patterns, medals, tokens, and related dies and tools
- Money and exchange media from around the world (historic to contemporary)
- Artwork, printing plates, and security-feature prototypes connected to note design
Exhibits and programs
- Core galleries: Money’s history, the role of the Bank of Canada, inflation and price stability, and how payments and the financial system function.
- Hands-on learning: Interactive displays (e.g., “feel” inflation, test your spending/saving choices, examine security features).
- Workshops & school visits: Guided and self-guided activities for elementary to adult learners; educator resources provided.
- Temporary/feature exhibits: Rotating displays on design, technology, history, or timely economic topics.
Education and digital resources
The Museum offers classroom lesson plans, videos, activities, and printable guides on money basics, anti-counterfeiting, the cost of living, and the Bank’s role. Many resources are available online for teachers, students, and self-learners.
Visitor information
- Accessibility: Barrier-free access with bilingual wayfinding; staff assistance available.
- Admission & hours: Check the official website for current details on hours, admission, security screening, group bookings, and special events.
- Getting there: Central Ottawa location close to transit, cycling routes, and Parliament Hill; limited on-site parking—use nearby public options.
History (brief)
- 1980: Opens as the Currency Museum within the Bank of Canada complex.
- 2013–2017: Building renovation; redevelopment of exhibits and brand.
- 2017: Reopens as the Bank of Canada Museum, with expanded interactive content and education programming.
See also
- Bank of Canada • Canadian dollar • Royal Canadian Mint
- Coins of the Canadian dollar • Inflation in Canada • Statistics Canada
External links (official)
- Bank of Canada Museum — Home & resources: https://www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca/
- Bank of Canada — Currency & bank notes: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/