School Group Visits: Frequently Asked Questions

REQUESTS, BOOKING, AND TICKETING

Is the Museum and Learning Center or the Gold Vault open to groups other than school groups or student programs?
At this time, the Museum and Learning Center is only open to visits, by reservation, from school groups and student programs. Based on availability, some visits may also include a visit to the Gold Vault, but it is not guaranteed.

Visit Economic Education to learn more about additional New York Fed education programs, workshops, and activities like Classroom Visits, High School Fed Challenge, Educational Comic Book Series and other lesson plans and resources.

If you have questions or interest in requesting New York Fed's educational resources, please email nyeconed@ny.frb.org.

I submitted a request to bring my students for a school visit and was not offered a reservation. Why?
Availability of school visits to the New York Fed is limited. We typically receive multiple requests for each available date. We make every effort to accommodate as many requests as possible but are not able to make a reservation for all of them. Schools and student programs within the Federal Reserve's Second District (New York State; the 12 northern counties of New Jersey; Fairfield County, Connecticut; Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) receive priority for scheduling.

I submitted a request to bring my students for a school visit and was not offered a reservation, even though the school is located within the Federal Reserve's Second District. Why?
Availability of school visits to the New York Fed is limited. We typically receive multiple requests for each available date. We make every effort to accommodate as many requests as possible but are not able to make a reservation for all of them.

What if I don't have the names of all the visitors in my school group when I am offered a reservation?
When reserving a visit, you may enter a tentative list of names to secure the visit time you have been offered. Please update your reservation with the final list of names at least one week prior to your date of visit by going to your reservation confirmation email and clicking on "Manage Reservation."

What to Bring

What do I need to enter the New York Fed?
To enter, each visitor must have a printed, paper copy of their tour ticket with their first and last name. Visitors and chaperones aged 16 and older must also present a valid, government-issued ID with photo, such as a driver's license or passport.

One of the following forms of identification are recommended for entry for visitors aged 16 and up:

  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
  • U.S. passport
  • Permanent resident card
  • Non-U.S. government-issued passport

Please note:

  • The name on the government-issued ID must match the name on the printed ticket.
  • NYC ID cards are not acceptable forms of identification for entry.
  • Photocopies of identifying documents will not be accepted for entry.
  • Visitors under the age of 16 are not required to present a government-issued ID. We encourage minors under 16 to bring a school photo ID, if applicable.
  • A picture of an ID will not be accepted.

I carry a pocketknife/other weapon/cannabis with me. Can I bring it to the New York Fed?
No. You will not be permitted to bring in any items that Law Enforcement considers dangerous or unacceptable for building entry, based solely on the officers’ discretion. Any such items will be subject to additional screening and/or confiscation and may prevent entry into the building.

Can I bring a camera or a mobile phone into the building?
Yes, but photography and recording of any kind are prohibited inside the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. While inside, cameras must be stored in a bag or have a lens cap securely in place. Mobile phones must be stored in a bag or pocket at all times. Violators may be subject to removal from the building.

Entry and Security Screening

When should I arrive for my school group visit?
Visitors are advised to arrive at the New York Fed 30 minutes before the scheduled visit start time on the ticket.

Where should I enter the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for my visit?
Visitors must enter the building at 33 Liberty Street (located between Nassau and William Streets).

What does the entry process entail?
Upon arrival at 33 Liberty Street, Federal Reserve Law Enforcement officers will ask each visitor to present their printed ticket displaying the proper date and time, and a valid, government-issued photo ID (age 16 and over) or school ID. Law Enforcement officers will check these documents, ensuring that the name on each ticket matches each visitor’s ID.

After the documents are confirmed by Law Enforcement, visitors will be brought to a security checkpoint where they will be screened. If approved for entry after security screening, visitors will be directed to the Museum to begin their visit.

Please be respectful and patient during all security screenings, as our Law Enforcement team diligently ensures the safety of the New York Fed and our visitors.

Also, please dress for the weather. There may be a wait outside the building before you may enter.

VISIT LENGTH AND DIFFICULTY

How long is the visit?
School group visits last at least one hour. The New York Fed offers an introduction to the Federal Reserve in our museum, along with lessons, activities, or workshops led by our Economic Education team. Visits that include an additional lesson last up to two hours.

Can I sit down during the visit?
The visit will typically include walking and standing, with varied opportunities to sit. School groups with mobility needs, please email frbnytours@ny.frb.org for more information.

Are Museum and Learning Center visits available in other languages?
Museum and Learning Center visits are only conducted in English. If required, school groups may bring a translator (non-tech) with them.

Accessibility

The New York Fed welcomes school visitors of all abilities at its Museum and Learning Center. Please email frbnytours@ny.frb.org if you have questions about accessibility or available accommodations.

Is the Museum and Learning Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Facilities in the museum are also wheelchair accessible. We do not provide wheelchairs.

Where should I enter if I have a wheelchair?
Please enter the building at 44 Maiden Lane (located between Nassau and William Streets). This entrance is wheelchair accessible.

Are any hearing accommodations available?
Yes. We may be able to provide ASL interpretation and/or amplification for school groups. Please email frbnytours@ny.frb.org if you have questions about hearing accommodations.

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