IMPORTANT: Always call the business before going to take the factory tour. We try and keep our data s up-to-date as possible but you should always check first.
Print This Page
Print This Page
Company
Bureau of Engraving and Printing - Washington, DC
14Th and C Street SW, Washington, DC 20228
Map Location Latitude: 38.88599 Longitude: -77.031929
Click here to go to the company web site
Bureau of Engraving and Printing - Washington, DC
14Th and C Street SW, Washington, DC 20228
Map Location Latitude: 38.88599 Longitude: -77.031929
Click here to go to the company web site
Description
You'll see millions of dollars being printed during a tour of the BEP. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills!
As the U.S. Government's security printer, the BEP is responsible for the design, engraving and printing of all U.S. paper currency. A world leader in printing technology, the Bureau also produces White House invitations, Treasury obligations and other U.S. securities.
Currency production methods have changed drastically since the BEP was established in 1862. At that time, just six people separated and sealed notes by hand in the basement of the Treasury building. The Bureau moved to its present site in 1914. The Fort Worth, Texas facility was created to meet increased currency production demands - it opened its doors in 1991.
Though new printing, production and examining technologies have brought us into the 21st Century, the Bureau's engravers continue to use the same traditional tools that have been used for over 125 years - the graver, the burnisher, and the hand-held glass.
You'll see millions of dollars being printed during a tour of the BEP. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills!
As the U.S. Government's security printer, the BEP is responsible for the design, engraving and printing of all U.S. paper currency. A world leader in printing technology, the Bureau also produces White House invitations, Treasury obligations and other U.S. securities.
Currency production methods have changed drastically since the BEP was established in 1862. At that time, just six people separated and sealed notes by hand in the basement of the Treasury building. The Bureau moved to its present site in 1914. The Fort Worth, Texas facility was created to meet increased currency production demands - it opened its doors in 1991.
Though new printing, production and examining technologies have brought us into the 21st Century, the Bureau's engravers continue to use the same traditional tools that have been used for over 125 years - the graver, the burnisher, and the hand-held glass.
Hours
The availability of this tour changes, be sure to call be before you go.
Tickets are required for all tours beginning beginning in March and ending in August, on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket booth is located on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street). We offer same day tickets only. The Ticket Booth opens at 8:00 a.m. and lines form early and tickets go quickly. Some mornings, daytime tickets are gone by 8:30 ? 9:00 a.m.
Non-Peak Season (No tickets required September-February)
You may line up at the Visitors? Entrance on 14th Street. (Bus drop off for groups is still on 15th Street during this time). Please allow 45 ? 50 minutes from the time you enter the building to the end of your tour.
Individuals that would like to visit the Visitors? Center ONLY must enter on the 14th Street side of the building at the visitor?s entrance. The Visitor?s Center will open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Visitors? Center contains exhibits and shops where items such as uncut currency, shredded currency, collectors? editions, and novelty items can be purchased.
2009 Summer Hours (March 30 ? August 28, 2009)
Evening tours will be offered from March 30 to August 28, 2009. These 40-minute tours will be conducted every 15 minutes between 2:00 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. and 5:00 ? 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and federal holidays.
Public Tours: 9:00 a.m. ? 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m. ? 3:45 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. ? 7:00 p.m.
Visitors? Center: 8:30 a.m. ? 7:30 p.m. (You must be in the building by 7:00 p.m.)
School Group Tours
School Group Tours at the BEP will be conducted weekdays (excluding federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year?s Day) at 9:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 9:45 a.m. ONLY. (Extended Evening Hours are available at 5:00 p.m. in May through August ONLY).
While every effort will be made to schedule these tours, space restrictions will not allow us to accommodate all requests. Requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your tour is scheduled, you will be faxed a School Group Confirmation Form to the fax number indicated on your form, with a confirmation number that you will need to gain entry to the BEP. All requests must be made on a completed School Group Reservation Request Form that may be obtained online at www.moneyfactory.gov, which must be mailed, faxed or emailed at least two weeks prior to your visit. We cannot schedule any tours on a form that is not complete. (Please make copies of the form so that you can schedule other tours). If you do not have access to a fax machine, please include a complete mailing address. Please note: School group reservations may be scheduled up to one year in advance.
The availability of this tour changes, be sure to call be before you go.
Tickets are required for all tours beginning beginning in March and ending in August, on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket booth is located on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street). We offer same day tickets only. The Ticket Booth opens at 8:00 a.m. and lines form early and tickets go quickly. Some mornings, daytime tickets are gone by 8:30 ? 9:00 a.m.
Non-Peak Season (No tickets required September-February)
You may line up at the Visitors? Entrance on 14th Street. (Bus drop off for groups is still on 15th Street during this time). Please allow 45 ? 50 minutes from the time you enter the building to the end of your tour.
Individuals that would like to visit the Visitors? Center ONLY must enter on the 14th Street side of the building at the visitor?s entrance. The Visitor?s Center will open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Visitors? Center contains exhibits and shops where items such as uncut currency, shredded currency, collectors? editions, and novelty items can be purchased.
2009 Summer Hours (March 30 ? August 28, 2009)
Evening tours will be offered from March 30 to August 28, 2009. These 40-minute tours will be conducted every 15 minutes between 2:00 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. and 5:00 ? 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and federal holidays.
Public Tours: 9:00 a.m. ? 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m. ? 3:45 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. ? 7:00 p.m.
Visitors? Center: 8:30 a.m. ? 7:30 p.m. (You must be in the building by 7:00 p.m.)
School Group Tours
School Group Tours at the BEP will be conducted weekdays (excluding federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year?s Day) at 9:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 9:45 a.m. ONLY. (Extended Evening Hours are available at 5:00 p.m. in May through August ONLY).
While every effort will be made to schedule these tours, space restrictions will not allow us to accommodate all requests. Requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your tour is scheduled, you will be faxed a School Group Confirmation Form to the fax number indicated on your form, with a confirmation number that you will need to gain entry to the BEP. All requests must be made on a completed School Group Reservation Request Form that may be obtained online at www.moneyfactory.gov, which must be mailed, faxed or emailed at least two weeks prior to your visit. We cannot schedule any tours on a form that is not complete. (Please make copies of the form so that you can schedule other tours). If you do not have access to a fax machine, please include a complete mailing address. Please note: School group reservations may be scheduled up to one year in advance.
Other Information
The following items are strictly prohibited and will not be allowed into the Bureau: Aerosol sprays, any pointed objects such as knitting needles, scissors, sharp metal nail files, sharp objects such as knives, razorblades, box cutters, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, or martial arts weapons/devices. The BEP Police reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Neither the BEP Police nor the tour staff will provide coat or package check facilities.
The following items are strictly prohibited and will not be allowed into the Bureau: Aerosol sprays, any pointed objects such as knitting needles, scissors, sharp metal nail files, sharp objects such as knives, razorblades, box cutters, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, or martial arts weapons/devices. The BEP Police reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Neither the BEP Police nor the tour staff will provide coat or package check facilities.
For site problems or suggestions please use the contact form HERE