Bank of England Museum – Honest Review (2024)

Whether you want to hold a gold bar in your hands or you’re interested in taking a peak into the history of British pounds and pence, the Bank of England museum is one of London’s hidden gems that many people miss out on in favor of the larger museums.

In this Bank of England museum review, I’m taking you along with me as we explore this museum and help you decide if you’re adding it to your London itinerary.

This is one of my favorite museums in London, despite not being talked about as much, and it only takes about an hour to see so it’s not going to take up your whole day.

If you have any interest in finance or history (or free museums in London, let’s face it – you can’t beat free!), then the Bank of England Museum is definitely for you.

Admission Price

Admission to the Bank of England is completely free, with no cost associated.

Score.

One of the best free things to do in London, no doubt.

Bank of England Museum Exhibits

The main part of this review of the Bank of England museum has to do with the exhibits!

Because the museum is smaller than some of the others in London, it’s relatively easy to go through the general layout with you so you know exactly what to expect.

First, you’ll enter into the main security area and entrance area – entrance is free, so there are no payments to be made, but you can pick up some maps or ask any questions at the front desk if you need to.

Then, you’ll walk into the main area – the Stock Office, or what the Bank of England would have looked like 200 years ago.

The Bank of England is the UK’s central bank, and the Stock Office was designed by Sir John Soane, an architect in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

His version of the bank was almost completely destroyed in the 1920s, so this replica exists to preserve the original history.

There are a couple of things to read and exhibits as you wander around, but you’ll then enter the next area which takes you further back into the history of British money, known as the Early Years.

Exit into the Rotunda, which currently features the Slavery & the Bank exhibit, exposing the history of the connection between the Bank of England and slavery and what we can learn from the dark history.

Here, you can also hold a gold bar!

The final part of the museum takes you through the Modern Economy exhibit, which leads to the Banknote Gallery to end.

Bank of England Museum Location

You’ll find the Bank of England museum at: Bartholomew Ln, London EC2R 8AH.

The easiest way to get there is to take the tube to Bank Station, and walk from there.

You won’t enter through the main Bank of England entrance, but rather go right around the corner and you’ll see the signs for the Bank of England museum.

Bank of England Museum Opening Hours

The museum is closed on Saturday and Sunday, but it is open on Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Museum

Here are some of the practical must-knows before you visit.

• You’ll have to go through airport style security before entering the museum, which is fast and easy, but prepare for it if you’re not used to this.
• You are allowed to take photos without flash throughout the entire museum.
• This isn’t necessarily the best museum in London for kids – there are a couple of interactive sections, but I would recommend it for teenagers and up in terms of age.
• There are some opportunities as you go around to listen to audio guides using a QR code from your smartphone – bring a pair of headphones if this sounds like something that interests you (for free!).

Gift Shop

Looking for something to buy in London?

There is a gift shop in the main Stock Office at the museum, with some really interesting souvenirs if you’re interested in finance and history.

Take a few minutes at the end to have a look around – it’s very small compared to many museum gift shops, so it only takes a couple of minutes.