Bank of England Museum
What Visitors Say
The Museum isn’t big but contains a lot of information in a stunning historic building. There are displays of the architectural designs of the bank, coins and info about money and gold, key figures in the banks history, and charters among other things. I especially liked the ceilings in the entrance area. You can access additional information via a QR code and it’s free to enter the museum. There aren’t any cafes or cloakrooms on site but there are toilets.
Great museum, definitely worth going. It is quite small, so it should take no more than 45-60 minutes to go through everything. Visit is free, and booking is not necessary. Staff is very helpful and welcoming. If you are interested in or want to know more about the history of British currency and developement of banks, it should be a lovely place to visit.
The Bank of England's museum is lovely-full of unique views on money's history, great for grasping inflation. They recycle cash into cool plastic objects, and the best part? Getting to touch and lift the 13 kg bar of gold yourself!
This turned out to be the highlight of my trip to London. It’s a fascinating museum that tells you about the history of banking and money. I really enjoyed the exhibits showing the history of bank notes and security - now I know what that UV light is for! It’s a very well thought out and informative museum and it’s completely free.
I can’t believe I’ve not been here previously, such a great museum and free! It was amazing to hear the history of the bank and how cash and banknotes evolved, assisted by really helpful and friendly staff. We worth a visit.
Highlights
The Gold Bar
Weight of value, literallyA standard bar weighs around 12–13 kg—heavy enough to reset your idea of ‘portable wealth’.
Central gallery, ‘gold’ section
Old Lady of Threadneedle Street
How a nickname became a personaA 1797 satirical print personified the Bank to scold its policies; the ‘Old Lady’ stuck for centuries.
Foundations & cartoons corner
Banknotes & Counterfeits
Art, paper and national trustFrom hand-signed paper to polymer windows and micro-letters, design arms race vs. forgers.
Note design displays
Soane’s Bank
Britain’s most influential ‘lost’ buildingSir John Soane’s windowless perimeter and luminous top-lit halls invented a new bank architecture.
Architecture & archive section
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
During WWII, the Bank hid art treasures (including the National Gallery’s) in subterranean vaults—and quietly managed Britain’s gold transfers across the Atlantic.
Nazi ‘Operation Bernhard’ forged millions in high-quality £5 notes; design tweaks and serial tracking helped the Bank outpace the hoard.
Every Bank of England note carries the printed signature of the Chief Cashier—spot how the autograph changes across decades.
The City sits above one of the world’s largest gold reserves—the Bank holds more than just Britain’s, storing bullion for other countries and institutions.
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