At the Moneyverse, I take on the role of Martin Schlegel. In front of me: a cockpit, a control lever and a screen. I push the policy rate higher – and immediately see what happens: borrowing becomes more expensive, inflation falls and economic growth slows. Move it lower and the opposite occurs: loans become cheaper, the economy receives a boost, but inflation tends to rise. Monetary policy suddenly stops being an abstract footnote and becomes something you can almost grasp with your own hands.

Located in Bern's Kaiserhaus, the Moneyverse revolves around one of humanity's greatest inventions: money. (Image: Marc Guerraz)

That is precisely the strength of this new venue in Bern's Kaiserhaus. The Swiss National Bank's new Moneyverse is not a traditional museum but a four-storey interactive experience that explores money from four perspectives: historical, economic, social and personal. Visitors quickly realise that this is not about a few old coins displayed behind glass, but about fundamental questions that shape everyday life: What is money? Why do we trust it? Why does it fascinate us?

Multimedia, Engaging and Accessible

The exhibition is particularly impressive where it focuses on the work of the Swiss National Bank. It clearly explains how monetary policy works, why the policy rate is so important and why even small changes can have major consequences. The presentation is multimedia-based, engaging and accessible enough for visitors with no financial background to follow with ease.

Notched tally sticks, nylon stockings and other unusual means of exchange featured in the historical section demonstrate that money can take many different forms. What matters is not the material itself, but the trust behind it. That is what makes the exhibition so compelling: it focuses not on the object, but on the system.

At the Money Bar, visitors can exchange ideas with the Moneyverse hosts. For a break in between, the jukebox offers songs such as Pink Floyd's «Money» and Gwen Stefani's «Rich Girl». (Image: Marc Guerraz)

The Money Bar offers a playful atmosphere. Free non-alcoholic signature syrup drinks such as the «Cashless Colada» and the «Cryptopolitan» encourage visitors to stay, chat and discuss financial topics. Games and a jukebox featuring money-themed songs, including «Rich Girl» by Gwen Stefani and «Money» by Pink Floyd, highlight the social dimension of money. After all, money is not just about numbers, but also about habits, values and emotions. The exhibition conveys this in a relaxed and engaging way, without becoming preachy.

Then the exhibition becomes deeply personal: financial hardship, insecurity and life without enough money. Particularly memorable are the video installations inside the darkened booths. When one participant says that poverty feels like drowning all the time, it is not a theatrical museum effect but a statement that lingers long afterwards. Suddenly, money becomes a matter of survival.

What does the Swiss National Bank do? Why is Switzerland wealthy? Does money buy happiness? Visitors can explore the Moneyverse through a range of audio walks. (Image: Marc Guerraz)

The concept is ambitious – perhaps almost too ambitious. Yet even its occasional inconsistencies do not weaken the experience; if anything, they make it feel more human. In the end, visitors leave with the impression of an intelligent, courageous and ambitious attempt not merely to explain money and monetary policy, but to make them tangible.

The Moneyverse is free of charge, centrally located and, especially during the holiday season, offers families and curious adults a genuinely refreshing alternative to a day at the swimming pool. Pull the policy rate lever once and see what happens – afterwards, you are likely to look at money in a completely different way.

Moneyverse – Museum of the Swiss National Bank (SNB)
Kaiserhaus, Marktgasse 37, Bern

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Free of charge

All content is available in German, French, Italian and English.

Highlights: Policy rate cockpit, Money Bar and numerous interactive exhibits.