The Museum is housed within the Bank of England itself, right at the heart of the City of London. It traces the history of the Bank from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1694 to its role today as the nation's central bank.

There are gold bars dating from ancient times, to the modern market bar (you can actually handle a real gold bar), coins and a unique collection of bank notes, as well as many other items you might not expect to find - such as the pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank. On display are documents relating to famous customers such as the Duchess of Marlborough, George Washington and Horatio Nelson.

The Bank Stock Office, a late 18th century banking hall by the great English architect Sir John Soane, has been reconstructed and and new DVD systems allow visitors to look behind the doors of the nation's central bank and interactivities allow them to examine the intricacies of bank note design and production. Live information on gilt-edged stocks and securities and the foreign currency and money markets is given at the Dealing Desk, similar to those in everyday use at the Bank. You can even try your hand at dealing on the US Dollar/Sterling Exchange by pitting your wits against a computerised simulation.

Activity sheets are available for children during school holidays with prizes to be won. For special exhibitions and events ring +44 (0)20 7601 5545.