WHAT? Building the Bank – 100 Years On

WHERE? Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH

WHEN? Now, ongoing until Spring 2026 — Free to visit

WHY GO? To credit the past. Visit the Bank without spending a penny! Entry to this unique museum is free, and a new exhibition chronicling the building itself is surprisingly illuminating.
The spacious rotunda lobby immediately creates an impression of grandeur, heritage and secrecy — as of course, security is watertight, so be prepared for bag searches.
Alongside the permanent displays, fascinating architectural facts are revealed through photographs, testimonials, portraits and artworks, none more pertinent than the celebrated Victorian painting Dividend Day at the Bank of England by George Elgar Hicks, showcasing a cross-section of investors during that period.
Founded in 1694 and expanded in 1734 to its present site, the Bank’s key architect was Sir John Soane. As it became too small, the Bank was controversially demolished and over a 14-year period rebuilt and completed in 1939 by Sir Herbert Baker. The total cost of £5m converts to a whopping £285m today. Extravagant fixtures and fittings, plus glorious mosaics by Russian artist Boris Anrep, gave it the look of luxury befitting the greatest Bank in the country.
Covering a substantial chunk of the City of London, the Bank truly is a gem in London’s history — confirming that old proverb “money makes the world go round” in more ways than one.

IN THE KNOW Today’s monetary policies are decided within grandiose private rooms where polished panelling meets modern technology. Parlour tours offer a rare opportunity to explore the hallowed rooms behind closed doors, but are few and far between — check online for future dates.