The basics:

• Philadelphia Fed reopens redesigned Money in Motion exhibit
• Exhibit features nearly 400 historic currency, coin artifacts
• Visitors can explore interactive displays on banking, monetary policy
• Free attraction located near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia unveiled a redesigned version of its “Money in Motion” exhibit June 4. The reopened attraction is part of a broader build-up to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Located steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Old City Philadelphia, the free public exhibit sits inside the lobby of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. It is designed as an interactive journey through U.S. monetary history and the central bank’s role in the economy.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks in the Federal Reserve System. It serves eastern and central Pennsylvania, Delaware and South Jersey.

Anna Paulson, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Fed, said the exhibit reflects the institution’s commitment to economic education and community engagement. “The Money in Motion exhibit is a great example of how the Philadelphia Fed connects with communities through economic education,” she said.

That’s right: a $100K bill

The exhibit features nearly 400 historic artifacts from the Bank’s coin and currency collection. The pieces are on display alongside hands-on installations that walk visitors through how money, banking and monetary policy have evolved since the 1790s.

Among the highlights are a rare $100,000 bill — the largest denomination ever printed, as well as early U.S. quarters and gold coins from the California Gold Rush. Visitors can also step into a replica bank vault, test themselves in a counterfeit detection activity built around a fictional cheesesteak shop and sit at a simulated Federal Open Market Committee table to set interest rates based on economic data.

A short film explains the Federal Reserve’s mission and its role in major economic events. Guests leave with a souvenir bag of shredded currency.

More about Money in Motion:

Engaging economics

Andrew Hill, assistant vice president of economic education, said the redesign intends to make learning about economics more interactive.

“We redesigned Money in Motion to be a hands on experience that helps people learn in an exciting and engaging way,” said Hill. “Through the interactive installations and historic currency, visitors will explore the Federal Reserve’s role in the economy and experience nearly two centuries of monetary history firsthand.”

The lobby also features Alexander Calder’s “White Cascade.” The 100-foot-tall mobile remains one of the largest indoor mobiles in the world.

The exhibit at at Ten Independence Mall West is open weekdays and free to the public. It site directly across from the National Constitution Center. More information on the exhibit can be found here.

Paulson added, “We are excited to offer a fun, accessible way for people of all ages to learn about the economy and the work of the Federal Reserve.”

NJBIZ recently spoke with Paulson about the South Jersey business climate. Stay tuned for an upcoming story about that discussion.