Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Money Museum at Open House Chicago

The Chicago Fed is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that--together with the Board of Governors--make up the Federal Reserve System, our nation's central bank. One of its many responsibilities is making sure that there is a sufficient supply of U.S. currency in good condition. They oversee the Seventh Federal Reserve District, which includes all of Iowa and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The Chicago Fed building was designed by the firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White, which was responsible for such architectural landmarks as the Wrigley Building, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Merchandise Mart. It opened in 1922 and has since been renovated twice, with the second renovation in 1986 including removal of the original building’s grand staircase to open up a four-story space in the Great Hall. The Money Museum first opened to visitors in 2001 with exhibits on currency, economics, and the role of the Federal Reserve. Visitors will enjoy exclusive access to the Great Hall, a space not normally open to the public. Explore on your own or enjoy brief presentations from Chicago Fed volunteers. At the Money Museum, visitors can try their hand at detecting counterfeit notes, learn what a million dollars looks like, and view the rare currency on display. There will also be a temporary exhibit on display: A Century of Route 66 - Driving Culture and Commerce. Visitor entry will conclude at 4:30 PM each day.