You'll see millions of dollars being printed during a tour of the Washington DC Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills! The presses here print about $25 million every week day, although this amount can vary greatly. Other exhibits include ex-service currency, a collection of counterfeit currency, and a $100,000 bill.
As the U.S. Government's security printer, the BEP is responsible for the design, engraving, and printing of all U.S. paper currency. A world leader in printing technology, the Bureau also produces portions of U.S. passports, materials for Homeland Security, military identification cards, Immigration and Naturalization Certificates, White House invitations, Treasury obligations, and other U.S. securities.
Currency production methods have changed drastically since the BEP was established in 1862. At that time, just six people separated and sealed notes by hand in the basement of the Treasury building. The Bureau moved to its present site in 1914. The Fort Worth, Texas facility was created to meet increased currency production demands - it opened its doors in 1991.
Though new printing, production, and examining technologies have brought us into the 21st Century, the Bureau's engravers continue to use the same traditional tools that have been used for over 125 years - the graver, the burnisher, and the hand-held glass.
Attraction Information
- Hours and tours:
- Peak season (March through August): Tickets are required, although they are free. Tickets are issues on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket booth is located on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street). Same-day tickets only are offered. The Ticket Booth opens at 8am - Monday through Friday, and closes when all tickets have been distributed. Lines form early (some days as early as 5:30am) and tickets go quickly, most days' (especially during the first two weeks in April ~ Cherry Blossom/Spring Break) tickets are gone by 8:30am. Please plan accordingly.
- Non-peak season (September through February): No tickets are required. You may line up at the Visitors' Entrance on 14th Street. Please allow 45 – 50 minutes from the time you enter the building until the end of your tour.
- Public Tour: 9am to 10:45am & 12:30pm to 2pm (every 15 minutes)
- Extended Summer Hours (April through August): 2pm to 3:45pm (every 15 minutes) & 5pm to 7pm (every 15 minutes
- Visitor Center (Enter at 14th & C): 8:30am to 3:30pm
- Visitor Center Extended Summer Hours: 8:30am to 7:30pm
- Admission:
- Free
- Metro Stop:
- Blueline or Orangeline to the Smithsonian Station
- Contact:
- Location: 14th & C Streets Southwest, Washington DC
- Phone: 202-874-8888
- Website: www.moneyfactory.gov
