Free Chicago Fed Museum Shows What a Million Dollars Looks Like
See $1 million in genuine $20 bills displayed under glass and test a fake bill before the museum closes Dec 7 for renovation.
💵 Test a Bill Yourself
Entry is free and individuals need no ticket or reservation—walk-ins are always welcome, while groups of 15 or more must book in advance. Note the upcoming schedule: the museum closes entirely from Dec 7, 2026 through mid-January 2027 for an exhibit renovation, so plan your visit before Dec 6. The screening line is the only wait: visitors 18 and older show a physical government photo ID, then pass bags and phones through security.
Inside, step right up to the million-dollar display—a circular glass case filled with bundles of genuine $20 bills showing what one million dollars in cash actually looks like. Then try the counterfeit detection station to test your eye, browse historic currency, and see how the Federal Reserve retired old paper bills.
Hours run 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Upcoming special hours: Nov 5 closes early at 2 PM, Nov 9 opens at noon, Nov 17 closes at 3:30 PM, and the museum is closed Nov 11 and Nov 26. Eating and drinking are not allowed inside. Hours and closure dates verified from the Chicago Fed at chicagofed.org.
