Curiosity is worth its weight in gold: CNB Visitor Centre celebrates 250,000 visitors

Curiosity, a fascination with the world of money, and a desire to understand the economy have drawn a quarter of a million people to the Czech National Bank Visitor Centre. Since opening its doors in May 2022, the CNB Visitor Centre has become one of Prague’s most popular educational venues. In a ceremony today, CNB Governor Aleš Michl welcomed the 250,000th visitor – a final-year student from the Grammar and Language School in Zlín.

“When we opened the CNB Visitor Centre, we expected annual visitor numbers of around 40,000.  In reality, the number of visitors has been nearly double that. I believe this strong public interest reflects our commitment to openness – supported by free admission – and the quality and interactive design of our exhibitions. There’s something for everyone here, from schoolchildren and families to seniors,” said CNB Governor Aleš Michl. He added that the Visitor Centre is preparing a series of themed events and permanent new features for next year, when the central bank celebrates its centenary.

“A quarter of a million visitors in just three and a half years is a major success for the CNB Visitor Centre. It also reflects the public’s sustained interest in the world of money and the economy – topics we aim to make accessible through our exhibitions and programmes. We’re delighted that our visitors leave not only with memorable experiences, but also with new insights and knowledge,” said Dita Vejnárková, Director of the CNB Visitor Centre.

Since opening in May 2022, the centre has welcomed thousands of school groups and members of the public, both Czech and international. Visitors can learn about the central bank’s responsibilities and how its decisions affect everyday life. They can also admire historical and contemporary currency, try lifting a real gold bar and view the 100-million-koruna gold coin – the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world.

Weekend tip: Visitor Centre after Dark

This weekend, the CNB Visitor Centre will open its doors at an unusual hour. On Saturday, 1 November, from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., a special evening event – Visitor Centre after Dark – will take place in the spirit of Halloween and All Souls’ Day.

Visitors can experience the exhibitions in a unique and mysterious setting – semi-darkness, a shadowy vault and banknotes glowing under UV light. The programme also includes creative workshops, themed activities with prizes and spooky balloon modelling between 7.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. Costumes are welcome. Entry is free and no reservation is required.

About the CNB Visitor Centre

The CNB Visitor Centre in Prague offers insights into economic topics, the history of Czech monetary policy and central banking. It features two permanent exhibitions: Exploring the Currency and People and Money. The interactive Exploring the Currency exhibition presents the central bank, its impact on everyday life and how individuals can contribute to the CNB’s objectives. The People and Money exhibition, located in the original strongroom, features the history of money and monetary developments. Its centrepiece is the 100-million-koruna gold coin, alongside other rare artefacts, and visitors can even try lifting a gold bar. The Visitor Centre also organises temporary exhibitions, themed days and other accompanying programmes. Current opening hours and further details are available at nc.cnb.cz. Admission to all the exhibitions and events is free.

Petra Vlčková
CNB spokesperson