New special show in the Vienna Technical Museum
Vienna (OTS) – Whether a medium of exchange, a collector’s item or a symbol of prestige – money is an essential pivotal point for the economy, work and society. There are always emotional debates about payment transactions throughout history, which require an approach from many perspectives. In the exhibition “CASH. “The Value of Cash” tells the Vienna Technical Museum in cooperation with the Austrian National Bank about the various, including sensual, approaches to money.
Starting from the playful handling of money, the foundation of which is laid in childhood, the exhibition approaches the topic through human senses, but also through the “senses” of machines, such as the coin counting machine. The smell of money plays just as much a role as the jingling of coins or the typical noises of electronic payment transactions, which can be accessed via QR codes.
“CASH. “The Value of Cash” deals with the development and storage of money, its visible and invisible characteristics, from collecting and sorting to the life cycle of the coins and banknotes in circulation. At the same time, the special show, which can be seen until March 31, 2025, deals with the symbolic power of banknotes, the digitalization of payment transactions and the future of cash.
At the opening on April 23, 2024 in the Vienna Technical Museum, General Director Peter Aufreiter welcomed the numerous guests to the exhibition. Afterwards, the curator Christian Stadelmann gave insights into the concept of “CASH. The Value of Cash.” This was followed by a speech by the Governor of the Austrian National Bank, Robert Holzmann, and the ceremonial opening of the special show. The curators Christian Stadelmann and Peter Payer then led a tour of the exhibition.
Quotes:
“The interconnection of technology and society and their impact on people is omnipresent, especially when it comes to cash. Using the example of money – whether cash or digital – we experience the constant change that influences all of our lives due to advancing technology. We are pleased to be able to work with the Oesterreichische Nationalbank to convey the diverse history of cash to visitors and also take a look into the possible future.”
Peter Aufreiter (General Director of the Vienna Technical Museum)
“Due to its unique characteristics, cash remains indispensable in our modern society. Cash is inclusive and can be used by all ages and demographics. Cash guarantees privacy in the payment process. Cash payments can be processed quickly and efficiently, regardless of technical infrastructure. The European Central Bank is currently working on the “Digital Euro” project. In the future, the digital euro is intended to supplement cash as a public means of payment, especially where cash cannot reach, e.g. B. with online payments in the digital space.”
Robert Holzmann (Governor of the Austrian National Bank)
More images in the APA photo gallery
Questions & Contact:
Vienna Technical Museum
Bettina Lukitsch
++43 1/899 98-1200
presse@tmw.at
www.technischesmuseum.at/presse
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