This sectioín is divided into two parts. The first deals with the history of the monumental main building designed by Ignác Alpár, which dates hack to the period before the establishment of the independent bank itself. The second focuses on the main periods of the Banks history from its formation in 1924 to the present.

On 1 January 2002, the euro became the official currency in twelve European countries. In addition to the overall economic and commercial advantages of its use (e.g. the elimination of exchange costs, easier comparison of prices and a boost in trade), the euro has made the finances of everyday life much easier in many ways (during travel, when transferring money to another country, etc.).

One of the Center's goals is to allow you to learn more about a number of interesting topics related to the Bank's activities at your own pace. In addition to 'serious' financial themes, we would like to offer you a chance to check in a playful way what you have learned at the exhibition or try our games connected to money.

In order to maintain price stability, the MNB's most important aim is to reduce inflation. This part of the exhibition sheds light on the financial background of inflation and its effects on everyday life. You can calculate how the price of a given product has changed over the years and see how the price skyrocketed in the Nears of hyperinflation.

This section on the history of currencies displays the most important and interesting pieces of the MNB's Banknote and Coin Collection comprising nearly 50 000 pieces. The history of Hungarian currency dates back to St. Stephen's first denar with the circular inscription LANCEA REGIS/REGIA CIVITAS.

This section of the exhibition deals With the reasons behind the evolution of money, the factors determining cash mol ement and 110\1 money is being replaced in the 21st century by modern devices. Next to kaori shells, salt and teabricks. precious metals emerges as a suitable tool for barter Metal and coins satisfy lie seven main requirements for flexible and smooth trading. The most important aim is to will and maintain users' (that is to say everybody's) confidence in a given currency.