Federal Reserve

‘The Fed, ’ which resembles a cross between a Greek temple and a Soviet-era bunker, is the Olympus of the Gods of the American Economy. Unfortunately, you won’t see too much fiscal action on tours; these focus on the architecture of the Eccles Building, which houses the reserve. You do get to visit the board room, which looks like the place where the world’s economy is batted about like a big ball of yarn between some very powerful cats. That said, the tour – which must be pre-arranged by calling at least two weeks in advance – is recommended for adults only (kids will likely get bored). Visitors can also view the Fed’s art collection, part of which is displayed in the atrium of the Eccles Building; the permanent collection is a survey of American art from the 1830s to the present. The board also presents rotating exhibitions of borrowed art on varied themes like currency design.