There are three ways to get into the Federal Reserve in Washington, DC and only one of them involves President Bush introducing you to the flashbulbs at a press conference. If you know that you'll be visiting the capital and have a burning desire to see the Martin or Eccles buildings which hold the offices of policymakers like Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, you can request a group tour at least two weeks in advance.
Can't round up 9 friends who care about monetary policy? We recently entered the Martin Building on the coattails of a private group, for which we had to submit our Social Security number and don an "ESCORT REQUIRED" badge at all times. We also had to pass through an airport-esque security checkpoint, including the dreaded removal of shoes. (It could be worse: Some federal buildings, like the US District Court in Oklahoma, don't allow any electronics to be brought in.)
If you visit, you might not to get to see much, either; your escort will usher you past an eternity of closed doors, and once in the building you won't be allowed to exit and re-enter at will. We didn't spot any giant bricks of money, but you will see the idiosyncratic collections of art which decorate the elevator banks. That said, it's a trip you should take if you can, if only for that opportunity to say, Hey, this is where the makers of monetary policy eat lunch.
Related Stories:
· Info on Touring the Fed [Official Site]
· Washington, DC Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: ayjayem]]]>