The Bank of Canada Museum is here to help you understand the economy, the Bank of Canada’s role in it, and how it matters to you.
You are the economy
The economy is a little like the air we breathe. It’s all around us and vital to our well-being. Yet we often don’t give it a second thought.
We at the Bank of Canada Museum are dedicated to changing that by bringing the economy front and centre for Canadians. Located in the heart of Canada’s central bank, the Museum’s mission is to help visitors see, touch and walk through the economy, experiencing it as never before.
Enter the heart of the economic system through fun, hands-on, interactive exhibits that cover everything from how your expectations affect the economy to how inflation targeting works (spoiler: you get to fly a rocket ship). Visitors can also learn the history of money through our artifacts. Our traditional exhibits feature centuries of cultural economic artifacts together with a comprehensive exploration of Canadian and international currency history.
Stimulating. Engaging. And most of all fun. Come join us and explore the Bank of Canada’s role in the economy and your own very important place in it.
It all started with a collection
The Museum began as a place to display and interpret the National Currency Collection. It holds the most comprehensive set of Canadian coins, tokens and paper money available as well as a world-class collection of historically significant international currency.
In December 1980, the original Currency Museum opened its doors in the Bank of Canada’s new head office complex in Ottawa. The 480-square-metre space exhibited more than 9,000 artifacts from coins, notes and tokens to printing plates and related items. For more than 30 years, the Currency Museum performed a significant role in educating the public on Canadian and international numismatic history.
With the 2013 renovation of the Bank of Canada’s Ottawa head office complex came an opportunity to reinvent the Museum. Over the next four years, the Museum underwent a complete reimagining of its role and its contents—even its name. The Bank of Canada Museum opened to the public on July 1, 2017.
Mandate
To provide Canadians with a public space where they are encouraged to learn about the policies and functions of the Bank of Canada and gain an understanding of the Bank’s role in guiding the Canadian economy, and to foster and grow the National Currency Collection.
Mission
To creatively bring the work of the Bank of Canada to Canadians by demystifying the Bank’s key functions and interpreting Canada’s monetary heritage, and to provide access to Canada’s National Currency Collection.
Vision
To be a recognized, world-class Museum that illuminates the work of the Bank of Canada and imagines a future where all Canadians can understand, appreciate and value their economic heritage.
Connect with us
We’d love to hear from you! Contact us by email, phone or mail—or join us on social media.
Plan your visit
Here's what you need to know, how to make the most of your visit and where to find us.
