         
|
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the U.S. Government's security printer, responsible for the design and manufacture of U.S. currency, postage stamps, Treasury obligations and other U.S. securities. The beginning of an establishment for the engraving and printing of United States paper currency began on August 29, 1861 in the basement of the Main Treasury building where two men and four women separated and sealed by hand $1 and $2 United States notes printed by private bank note companies. The Bureau began printing all revenue stamps in 1894. By October 1, 1877, all United States currency was produced by the Bureau. In 1880, an Act of Congress authorized the construction of the Washington, D.C. facility located at 14th & C Streets, S.W. completed in 1914, and the Annex across the street in 1936. To meet increased production demands of the 21st century a new facility was officially opened on April 26, 1991 in Fort Worth, Texas which shares the production of currency with the Washington, D.C. facility. Today the Bureau has approximately 2,300 employees at its Washington, D.C. facility and 500 at the Fort Worth site. Tour Information:The Bureau provides a continuous self-guided tour, which lasts about 20 minutes, featuring the various phases of currency production. Guides are present along the tour to assist visitors when needed. The tour ends in the Visitors Center where there are educational exhibits on display and visitors may purchase uncut sheets of currency, small bags of shredded currency, engraved prints and a host of other novelty items.Physically impaired visitors and their families may use the 14th Street entrance year around. Wheelchairs may be provided upon request. Special recorded tours are available for hearing impaired visitors. Tours are also available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Location:The Bureau is located at 14th and C Streets S.W., Washington, D.C. one block south of the Washington Monument and just north of the 14th Street Bridge.Admission:FREE. Reservations are not required.Hours:Tours: may be taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Visitors Center's hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Bureau is closed for all Federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year's day.Transportation:The Bureau is included on the Tourmobile "Washington Mall" tour which operates continually during the day between 11 Washington landmarks. There is a Tourmobile stop across the street from the Bureau on 15th Street, the exit point of the tour. There are no parking facilities located on the premises. However, tidal basin parking is available on a three-hour limit, first come, first served basis. We are conveniently located one block from the Smithsonian Metrorail Station (Independence Avenue exit).Peak Tourist Season:March through September is the heavy tourist season. To efficiently accommodate visitors, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing uses a ticketing system. Tickets are available for the day of issue at the kiosk on the 15th Street side of the building. Tickets are needed the week preceding and the week following Easter; also on a daily basis beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through the Friday before Labor Day. At times, all of the tickets for the day during peak season are given out as early as 11:30 a.m. so it is advisable to pick up tickets as soon as possible.Parking and Eating:Public parking and restaurant facilities are not available on the premises.Safety and SecuritySmoking is prohibited. Picture taking and video recording are permitted without the use of a flash or other means of artificial lighting. Please use the pedestrian crosswalks when crossing the street. The Bureau can accommodate wheelchairs.24-Hour Information:Dial (202) 874 - 3188 |
|||||||||
