The First Economy Museum in South America Is Nearing Completion

An interactive, engaging, and accessible space designed for all age groups will showcase objects, information, and curiosities related to the universe of money, finance, and the economy as a whole. This will mark the inauguration of the first economy museum in South America. The venue, envisioned by Banco Central do Brasil and currently under construction at the BCB Headquarters in Brasília, was the focal point of discussion during LiveBC #31, live-streamed on Monday afternoon (11/3).Spoiler Alert: About the New MuseumThe concept of the new museum emerged from a desire to go beyond and provide insights into economics and financial education."We wanted to introduce a reflective, engaging, and educational approach so that visitors to the new museum would learn without even realizing it," said Carolina Barros, Deputy Governor for Relationships, Citizenship, and Conduct Supervision at BCB.To enable the renovation, the museum team structured a project, which was greenlit by the BCB's Collegiate Directorate in 2019, with funding secured from the Fund for the Defense of Diffuse Rights (FDD) under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.The new museum will comprise four main sections: economy, financial education, sustainability, and the history of payment methods. These sections will occupy an area of over two thousand square meters and offer visitors opportunities for both analog and digital engagement.The highlight of the new museum will be the Numisfera, unveiled by Karla Valente, Head of the BCB Money Museum. "It will serve as a comprehensive showcase, where we will exhibit various examples of payment methods, including coins, banknotes, cheques, credit cards, Pix, and historical documents," Karla explained.Additionally, it will feature a simulated supermarket suitable for all age ranges. “Based on numerous suggestions, visitors will even have the chance to touch a gold bar, although, of course, they won't be able to take it home," Deputy Governor Carolina added.2025The construction of the new BCB museum is now entering its final phase. "We are currently outlining the attractions and structuring the tender process to select the company that will collaborate with us on this implementation," reported Karla. "In parallel, we are also working on registering the museum's new name and brand," Carolina added.According to the Deputy Governor, the new museum is scheduled to open in 2025. Until then, visitors can still experience the old museum virtually. Just click here.CollectionCarolina celebrated the BCB’s collection's significance for the community: “These objects tell the story of the country's payment methods, through banknotes, coins, valuable documents, awards, gold bars, and documents, totaling approximately 135 thousand pieces”.She explained that the law establishing Banco Central do Brasil dates back to December 1964. In 1966, BCB made its first acquisition of a collection of items, banknotes, and valuable documents. “Banco Central do Brasil has meticulously tracked the standards implemented since then. And whenever a new banknote is introduced, the first 20 units are reserved for the Museum of Values collection," said Carolina. Among the museum artifacts, several hold profound significance for the country's history, such as the gold piece from the coronation of Dom Pedro I in 1822, of which only 64 units were produced, with two in BCB's possession; a Roman denarius dating back to 144 B.C.; the Order of the Rose commendation, commissioned by Dom Pedro I to honor his second marriage to Dona Amélia; the Canaã nugget, weighing 61 kg, with 57 kilograms of gold, the largest nugget ever found (discovered in 1983 at Serra Pelada, Pará); and a 960 réis coin from 1809, exclusively held by BCB, among other objects.Responding to a question raised by an Internet user, Deputy Governor Carolina also confirmed the issuance of a commemorative silver coin in honor of the 200 years of the First Constitution of Brazil and the creation of Legislative Power. The launch should take place next month.A Tribute to WomenIn honor of International Women's Day, celebrated on Friday (8/3), LiveBC #31 exclusively featured female participants. Carolina and Karla were joined by BCB’s Senior Advisor, Camila Muniz, who facilitated the conversation.March is more than just a month of celebration; it is a month for reflection. We have a long journey ahead. For instance, we need to address how to achieve greater equity in speaking and listening opportunities and garner more recognition and respect for our competence and the results we achieve as professionals. This livestream is a tribute to the legacy of Tereza Grossi, the first Deputy Governor of BCB, who had extensive technical knowledge and passed away last year. We must acknowledge her role as a trailblazer, a pioneer in this institution”, stated Carolina.You can watch the full video here. Discover more about the BCB's new museum project here.