Federal reserve bank of new york tour
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY) offers guided tours of its iconic building in Lower Manhattan, providing a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the US central bank. Here's what you can expect from a tour:
Tour Highlights:
- The Vault: Explore the bank's historic vault, which is said to be one of the most secure in the world. You'll see the massive steel doors, the intricate locking system, and the rows of gold bars.
- The Gold Room: Learn about the bank's gold reserves and see the gold bars up close. The FRBNY is one of the largest gold depositories in the world, holding over 6,000 tons of gold.
- The Trading Floor: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the bank's trading floor, where market professionals buy and sell securities, currencies, and commodities.
- The Museum: The FRBNY has a small museum on the second floor, featuring exhibits on the bank's history, the US economy, and the Federal Reserve System.
- The Architecture: The bank's building is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, designed by Trowbridge & Livingston in the 1920s. Take in the ornate details, including the grand staircase and the beautiful murals.
Tour Information:
- Duration: Tours last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Frequency: Tours are offered Monday through Friday, with multiple tours per day.
- Cost: Free, but advance reservations are recommended.
- Accessibility: The bank is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for loan.
- Security: Be prepared for security checks, including metal detectors and bag checks.
Tips and Reminders:
- Reservations: Book your tour at least 2 weeks in advance, as popular tours fill up quickly.
- Arrival: Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Security: Be prepared to remove electronic devices, such as phones and cameras, from your pockets and bags before entering the vault.
- Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas, but tripods and commercial photography require special permission.
- Dress Code: Dress modestly and avoid wearing anything that may be considered provocative or offensive.
Getting There:
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is located at 33 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10045. The nearest subway stations are:
- R (red line) or W (white line) trains to Rector Street
- A, C, E, J, or Z trains to World Trade Center
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 trains to Wall Street
From the subway, follow the signs to Liberty Street and walk north for about 5 minutes to reach the bank's entrance.
Remember to plan ahead, arrive early, and be prepared for security checks. Enjoy your tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York!