Current and Former FRB Philadelphia Presidents Edward G. Boehne Charles I. Plosser Anthony M. Santomero

Federal Reserve Bank Of Philadelphia

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia: Visitor Guide, Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is a cornerstone of America’s financial landscape and a unique attraction for visitors interested in economics, history, and culture. Located at Ten Independence Mall in Philadelphia’s Historic District, the bank not only shapes monetary policy for the region but also serves as an educational hub through dynamic exhibits and public outreach. Its close proximity to renowned landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell makes it an essential stop for anyone exploring Philadelphia’s rich historical tapestry. This comprehensive guide details the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s visiting hours, ticket information, accessibility, major exhibits, and nearby attractions to help you plan an unforgettable visit (PhiladelphiaFed.org; Federal Reserve History; VisitPhilly.com).

Current and Former Presidents of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia standing together

Portrait of George Washington Norris at Treasury

Portrait of George Washington Norris at the Treasury

Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey graph showing manufacturing trends

Introduction
Historical Background
Architectural and Artistic Highlights
The Role and Significance of the Philadelphia Fed
Visiting the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
The Money in Motion Exhibit
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Final Tips
References

Historical Background

Philadelphia’s central role in American banking began long before the creation of the Federal Reserve. The city hosted the First and Second Banks of the United States, both foundational in establishing a centralized banking system (FieldTripDirectory.com). With the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, Philadelphia was chosen as the headquarters for the Third Federal Reserve District, recognizing its robust economy and strategic importance (Federal Reserve History).

The Philadelphia Fed opened in 1914, quickly growing in size and influence, especially during World War I. The current building at Ten Independence Mall was completed in 1976, further embedding the bank within Philadelphia’s historic and financial landscape.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The bank’s headquarters on Independence Mall is a striking example of modern institutional architecture. As part of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art Program, the building features significant artworks:

Alexander Calder’s “White Cascade”: The world’s largest mobile, nearly 100 feet tall, suspended in the atrium (Federal Reserve History).
Outdoor Sculptures: Pieces by Beverly Pepper (“Phaedrus”) and Jill Sablonsky (“Balance”) enrich the grounds and symbolize the bank’s commitment to integrating art and public space.

The Role and Significance of the Philadelphia Fed

Regional and National Impact

Serving eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware, the Philadelphia Fed represents over 13 million residents (Federal Reserve History). Its core responsibilities include:

Monetary Policy Implementation: Contributing to national economic stability.
Supervision and Regulation: Overseeing regional financial institutions, especially following regulatory reforms like Dodd-Frank.
Cash and Payment Services: Processing vast amounts of currency and electronic payments.
Economic Research and Community Outreach: Publishing key reports (e.g., the Philly Fed Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey) and supporting financial literacy and economic inclusion (Philadelphia Fed Community Development).

Visiting the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Location and Accessibility

Address: 10 N. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Neighborhood: Historic District, steps from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the U.S. Mint (UncoveringPA.com).
Public Transit: Accessible via SEPTA stations and bus routes. Limited paid parking is available; public transportation is recommended.
Accessibility: The building and exhibits are wheelchair accessible, with accommodations available upon request.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Admission: Free for all visitors; no tickets required.
Hours: The Money in Motion Exhibit is typically open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. As of 2025, the exhibit is closed for renovations and scheduled to reopen in 2026. Online resources remain available (PhiladelphiaFed.org).
Security: Expect airport-style screening and photo ID checks due to the sensitive nature of the facility (UncoveringPA.com).

Group Visits and Educational Tours

Group Tours: Educational tours are available for groups of 10 or more by prior reservation. School groups, scouts, and camps are welcome.
Contact: For reservations and up-to-date information, call (215) 574-6000 or visit the official website.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.
Dress: Comfortable attire and walking shoes are recommended.
Photography: Permitted in most public areas; check with staff for restricted zones.

Amenities

Restrooms: Available in the building, with additional facilities nearby.
Dining: Numerous options, including local favorites, are within walking distance.

The Money in Motion Exhibit

Overview

The Money in Motion Exhibit is a free, interactive micro-museum dedicated to the history of money, banking, and the role of the Federal Reserve. While currently closed for renovations (set to reopen in 2026), the exhibit previously offered:

A 25-foot tower of shredded bills worth $100 million
A currency cart with $1.35 million in $5 bills
Historic U.S. currency, including notes from the original 13 colonies and a rare $100,000 bill
Interactive games such as “Match Wits with Ben” and “Banker’s Challenge”
Shredded money souvenirs (VisitPhilly.com; FieldTripDirectory.com)

Educational Value

The exhibit is designed for all ages, offering curriculum-aligned resources, hands-on displays, and engaging activities (6ABC - One Tank Trip). Teachers and students can benefit from online materials and regular educational events, including teacher training workshops (Philadelphia Fed - Calendar of Events).

Nearby Attractions

The Federal Reserve Bank is ideally situated for a day of exploration in Philadelphia’s Historic District:

Independence Hall: Birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
Liberty Bell Center: Home to one of America’s most iconic symbols of freedom.
U.S. Mint: Free tours of coin production (VisitPhilly.com).
National Constitution Center: Interactive museum focusing on the Constitution.
The Bourse Building: Historic market with diverse dining options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia?
A: The Money in Motion Exhibit is generally open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, but is closed for renovations until 2026. Check the official website for updates.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, admission is free for all visitors.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, for groups of 10 or more with advance reservation.

Q: Is the facility accessible?
A: Yes, the building and exhibits are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Photography is permitted in public areas; follow staff instructions for restricted zones.

Q: Where is the Bank located?
A: 10 N. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Summary and Final Tips

Visiting the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is a unique educational experience that combines the history and ongoing mission of America’s central banking system with the vibrancy of Philadelphia’s historic district. With free admission, accessible facilities, and a wealth of resources available even during renovations, the bank offers something for everyone—students, families, and history buffs alike. Make sure to plan ahead by checking for the latest updates on hours, tour availability, and special events. Leverage the Philadelphia Fed website and the Audiala app for enhanced experiences and resources. Combine your visit with nearby historic sites for a full day of learning and exploration (PhiladelphiaFed.org; Federal Reserve History; VisitPhilly.com).