Museum of Money
(Museu da Moeda)
Hidden beneath Luanda’s Marginal, this underground museum explores Angola’s monetary history through a modern, carefully designed visitor experience. Managed by the National Bank of Angola, it opened in 2016 beside the BNA headquarters.
More than a museum about coins and banknotes, this is a journey through value, trade and identity in Angola, from pre-monetary exchange systems to the national currency, the Kwanza, introduced in 1977. It is one of the most interesting cultural stops on Luanda’s waterfront.
Opened in 2016 by the National Bank of Angola, the Museum of Money sits beneath the plaza along Avenida 4 de Fevereiro, next to the BNA headquarters. Its underground setting gives the whole visit a calm, polished and slightly unexpected atmosphere.
The museum follows Angola’s monetary story from older systems of exchange, such as shells and other goods used as units of value, through colonial currencies and into the modern era of the Kwanza.
It is especially worth visiting if you enjoy places that combine design, history and storytelling, and it works beautifully with a walk along the Marginal afterwards.
Pre-money exchange
Zimbo shells, salt, copper, ivory and textiles used as forms of value before modern money.
Colonial currencies
Coins and banknotes that circulated in Angola during the colonial period.
The Kwanza
The history, symbolism and evolution of Angola’s national currency since 1977.
Media & temporary content
Audiovisual rooms and temporary exhibitions that help make the visit more dynamic and contemporary.
Subterranean design
The galleries are below ground, beneath the plaza by the BNA, giving the museum a distinctive identity among Luanda’s cultural spaces.
Chronological flow
The layout is easy to follow, which makes the story accessible even for visitors who know little about Angola’s monetary history before arriving.
Where
Avenida 4 de Fevereiro, nº 151, Luanda, beside the BNA headquarters and under the plaza.
Hours
Public sources show some variation, but the museum is commonly listed as open during the day from Monday or Tuesday through Saturday. It is best to confirm shortly before visiting.
Entry
Often presented as free or low-cost in public listings, but special visits or temporary programming may vary, so it is wise to confirm on the day.
Contact
+244 226 431 231
museudamoeda@bna.ao
Suggested time
About 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend reading and exploring the displays.
Best pairing
A walk along the Marginal or a wider cultural route through central Luanda.
- Photography: flash or filming rules may vary, so follow staff guidance.
- Language: labels are mainly in Portuguese, though the overall storyline is clear and visual.
- Timing: because public opening hours vary between sources, it is best not to leave this visit for the very end of the day without checking first.
- Pair with: a waterfront walk afterwards, especially in softer late-afternoon light.
-
Pre-moneyExchange systems
Barter and other forms of value such as zimbo shells, salt, copper, ivory and textiles.
-
Colonial eraColonial currencies
Circulation of colonial coins and banknotes in Angola.
-
1977The Kwanza
Angola’s national currency enters circulation.
-
2016Museum opening
The Museum of Money opens beside the BNA on Luanda’s waterfront.
Pin: Avenida 4 de Fevereiro, 151, next to the BNA headquarters on the Marginal.