The Museum of American Finance is set to open in Boston in 2026
For the first time since 2018, the museum will have a permanent exhibition space. A brand-new museum is set to open in Boston’s Seaport in 2026, with free admission for all visitors.
The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of American Finance (MoAF) has secured a 10-year lease for a 5,400-square-foot exhibit space at Commonwealth Pier in Boston’s Seaport, according to a press release. The museum is scheduled to open its doors on July 1, 2026.
Dedicated to educating the public on finance and financial history, the museum will feature engaging exhibits, financial literacy initiatives, and public events. It also plans to collaborate with local community organizations and educational institutions to offer Boston-based programs.
Established in 1989, the Museum of American Finance was originally located on Wall Street in New York City until a severe flood in 2018 caused significant damage to the facility. Since then, the museum has operated through traveling exhibits and temporary installations across the country. Its events and educational programs now engage over 10,000 people annually, both in person and online.
For the first time since 2018, the museum will have a permanent home for its exhibits.
“Visitors will walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of our nation’s financial history—much of which has roots in the Boston Harbor area—as well as practical knowledge to improve their own financial well-being,” said David Cowen, president and CEO of the museum, in a statement. “We’re excited to base our exhibits in Boston and are committed to making Commonwealth Pier a must-visit destination for school groups, local communities, and tourists alike.”
According to officials, the museum holds one of the nation’s most significant collections of 18th-century U.S. financial documents, including letters and papers from Alexander Hamilton.
According to officials, the firm Gallagher & Associates will design “world-class” exhibits showcasing the museum’s extensive collections, while the latest technologies will be integrated through a partnership with the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT).
Commonwealth Pier, currently being developed by global real estate firm Pembroke, will feature a new waterfront plaza along with a variety of restaurants, retail options, and year-round programming.
“The transformation of Commonwealth Pier honors its rich history while embracing the present and looking ahead to the future,” said Kristan McLaughlin, director of asset management at Pembroke, in a statement. “It’s incredibly fitting to welcome the Museum of American Finance to our community — a true treasure trove of historic artifacts that connects past to future through education and innovative technology.”
Image Credit: American Finance Museum
