Housed in the historic Bank of England building on Threadneedle Street in the heart of the City of London, the Bank of England Museum tells the history of the Bank from its founding in 1694 to its role today as the central bank of the United Kingdom. The Museum’s permanent exhibits include material drawn from the Bank’s silver collections, engravings, paintings, banknotes, coins, photographs, books, and other historical documents. Exhibits range from Roman and modern gold bars to pike and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.
Information technology and audiovisual screens explain the role of the Bank today.
The highlights of the museum
Can you lift a bar of gold? It weighs 13 kg and you can reach into a hole in a cupboard and lift the bar. There is no chance of stealing it, but it may be the only time you touch something so densely valuable.
There is a small museum shop at the end of the museum tour that sells exclusive souvenirs.
Entrance to the museum is free.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm
December 24 and 31: 10am – 1pm
Closed on weekends and holidays
Exceptional weekend openings
- Open door (June or July)
- Open House (September)
- Mayor’s Show Saturday (November)
Direction
Bank of England Museum
Bartholomew Lane, off Threadneedle Street
London EC2R 8AH
The entrance is on the side of the building and there are some steps. If you need help, there is a bell. All the visitor’s bags go through a security scanner and then you’re in the museum. Pick up your free map and guide from the information desk.
Nearest metro stations
- Bank
- Monument
- Canyon street
- Mansion
Use Journey Planner to plan your route on public transportation.
Phone: 020 7601 5545
Official Website: www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
