Visitors wanting a business-related experience will be disappointed that the New York Stock Exchange doesn't offer public tours. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, however, does welcome guests. The bank and 11 other regional Reserve Banks across the country comprise the Federal Reserve System. You can take a tour of the bank's gold vault that contains billions of dollars of gold. The tour teaches about the history of gold and how the Federal Reserve Bank of New York protects and stores gold. Visitors can also learn about the Federal Reserve System in an interactive exhibit that lets you work on monetary policy simulations. Additionally, the American Numismatic Society co-sponsors an exhibit that shows over 800 valuable coins and medals from a span of 3,000 years.
You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy the Museum of Jewish Heritage -- A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. The museum has 15,000 items in its collection, including 2,000 photos, 800 cultural and historical artifacts and 24 documentary films. The venue includes three permanent exhibits that tell about Jewish life at the beginning of the 20th century, persecution against the Jews and the aftermath of the Holocaust. The museum also has travelling exhibits and shows films throughout the year.
Most people wanting to see a play in New York City go to the Broadway area in midtown Manhattan. You don't need to leave the Financial District, though, to see a production. The Shooting Star Theatre features original shows from the Montauk Theatre Production company. The venue also has readings and musical events such as jazz on select Sundays.
The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, were an event that people will never forget. The Tribute WTC Visitor Center has exhibits, programs and tours explaining about the attack at the World Trade Center and its aftermath. Survivors, recovery workers, family members of victims, and other people directly affected by the day give walking tours along the WTC site known as Ground Zero. The center displays artifacts and has five exhibits about 9/11.
