Paper money was gaining more acceptance as a currency and the Federal government needed the influx of cash to fight the rebellious states of the South. During the busy tourist season from April to September, BEP uses a ticketing system. Pictures and video are not allowed to be taken on the BEP tour. S.W. The building is only a block away from the Jefferson Memorial and also near the U.S. Holocaust Museum. Free tours of the money printing process are offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, April to September.
Tours take about a half hour and are self guided.
BEP is closed on federal holidays and the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.