Highlights from the museum
The decision to establish a banking and economic museum in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand was taken during 2003 to 2004. Development took approximately two years and drew on the skills and expertise of a wide range of our staff, an architecture firm, and specialist design consultants.
One of the most challenging tasks was deciding what to display from our wide collection of artefacts and our small but relatively valuable numismatic collection.
The museum space includes three major display bays covering aspects of the economy, the banking system, the history of the Reserve Bank and numismatic displays. It also includes a range of displays around the walls, which extend and give context to the exhibits.
We own a small collection of notes and coins, some of which are on display in the museum. The collection includes a range of other banknotes and coins, such as the 1-pound notes issued in the 1860s and 1870s by the Bank of Otago, Bank of Auckland and Bank of New Zealand.
The museum was opened in September 2006. Around 10,000 people visited during the first 18 months of operation.
