The Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers an interesting and educational experience focused on how U.S. currency is made and printed. Visitors can explore the visitor center, which provides a good summary of the bureau's history and the process of currency production. The tour itself is free and runs every 30 minutes from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, with 40 guests allowed per session. It is highly recommended to arrive early, around 8:00 am, to secure tickets, as they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and often run out by 8:30 am. For those who get tickets, the guided tour covers the printing and engraving areas, with visitors able to see the process through an observation deck. Cameras and phones are not permitted upstairs, but photos can be taken downstairs. The experience also includes a short video on the history of money in the U.S. and a gift shop where visitors can buy uncut banknotes, which are sold in cylindrical tubes for about 2.5 times their face value. Many find the uncut bills to be a memorable souvenir. Although the process can be crowded, especially during holidays and weekends, guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the tour enjoyable. Overall, the bureau provides a fascinating glimpse into the production of currency, with a focus on education and safety, as photography is restricted inside the printing areas.
Really interesting experience. I wasn't really interested at first but the tour was free and hubby wanted to see it. Guided tour, you get to see how they make paper money. It's free
March 2024
I was able to walk right in. I didn’t need a ticket. It was a short tour. The tour lasted about 20 minutes. It was just ok. Maybe my expectations were high. I would not go back.
February 2024
Public tours from 7 am - 2 pm, last about 45 minutes. Went on a Friday in January. No wait.
