The Currency Museum had its origin in the National Currency Collection, which began in 1959, at the urging of the Governor of the Bank of Canada. Originally with a Canadian focus, i.e. to document this important part of our history, over the following decades it collected over 100,000 examples of currency and related artifacts and equipment, plus several thousand reference works, relating not only to Canada but to currency in general. All these things were housed in various locations around the National Capital. It was clear that it belonged in one accessible place, most logically in the Bank of Canada, but that had to wait until two large glass towers were added to the original Bank building, to give it additional space. The Currency Museum finally opened its doors in one of the glass towers at the end of 1980.

In addition to coins and paper, it tells all about the history and evolution of metals and all sorts of other items used as money, in different places around the world throughout the ages. It also has a complete collection of every piece of paper currency ever printed in Canada. It is one of the world’s great destinations for numismatists, and is often referred to as “Canada’s unknown gem” – when visiting Ottawa’s outstanding museums, be sure not to miss this one!

Admission is free, and it's open weekdays from 10:30 to 17:00, and Sunday afternoons . For a detailed tour, go to http://www.currencymuseum.ca