From November 20, 2026 to July 11, 2027, the Cité de l'Économie (City of Economics) takes visitors on a journey through over two thousand years of monetary history with "A History of Money, from Gold to Cryptocurrencies." A fun and immersive exhibition designed for families, included with museum admission.

Hands up! A drawbridge spans the old moat, then rows of vaults appear, and the visit to the Cité de l'Économie begins like a heist. Long inaccessible, the vault of the former branch of the Banque de France opens its doors to families, and two thousand years of monetary history unfold there in six key dates, from the gold stater of the Parisii to cryptocurrencies. Children conduct their own investigation, UV lamp in hand, until they discover the combination to a safe, while historian and comedian Manon Bril narrates the case in the audio guide.

The setting does half the work. Émile Gaillard, a banker and collector, had this private mansion built, drawing inspiration from the châteaux of Blois and Gien. The Bank of France bought it and added an Art Deco vault.

During the holidays, the "Make Your Own Banknote" workshop teaches younger children how to design a counterfeit-proof bill. What is the basis of our trust in money? This question follows us to the Photo Banknote, which prints a banknote with our image on it—the only one that will never end up in a piggy bank.

Did you know?
Like a fortified castle, the vault has its moat, drawbridge, and armored door.

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