As Europe’s first museum dedicated to the economy, Citéco offers an experience unlike any other, combining education and heritage. This place invites the general public to discover the economy, to address questions often encountered in daily life, or to allow a better understanding of world events. Through a permanent interactive and fun exhibition and a varied cultural programme (many temporary exhibitions, conferences, shows, etc.), the Economy City (Cité de l’Économie) invites young and old, novices and experts alike, to (re)discover the economy and to play a full part in it!

Amandine Blier, Communication Manager at Citéco and a jury member of the IMAGINE CURRENCY photo contest, took the time to share her vision of the future of moneyFrom the Latin word moneta, nickname that was given by Romans to the goddess Juno because there was a minting workshop next to her temple. Money is any item that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular region, country or socio-economic context. Its onset dates back to the origins of humanity and its physical representation has taken on very varied forms until the appearance of metal coins. The banknote, a typical representati... More. Discover her questions, her doubts, but also her favourite ideas!

What do you think is the future of the banknoteA banknote (or ‘bill’ as it is often referred to in the US) is a type of negotiable promissory note, issued by a bank or other licensed authority, payable to the bearer on demand. More?

Very uncertain! Today, in all shops, almost everything can be paid by card with no minimum price. As for financial exchanges between people, with the advent of fintechs, it is no longer necessary to carry notes. Perhaps our grandchildren will only know about tickets through museum windows (at Citéco?)

Which banknotes have impressed you the most?

The banknote that made the biggest impression on me was the 100 franc note – Delacroix (Liberty guiding the people). First of all, because it is generational. When I was a little girl, I used to take out a 100-franc note to go dancing and with 100 francs at the time, you were the king of the world! For me, it was THE ticket of the evening!

But I was also marked by the 50 franc note with Saint Exupéry. So colourful and so bold compared to Delacroix and Pascal, for example. I remember that many criticised this note, comparing it to a Monopoly note because it was anything but austere.

©“100 francs” – Delacroix ©“50 francs” – Saint Exupéry

What do you think is the recipe for a good banknote?

For me, the magic recipe is, above all, creativity and also a bitIn computers, the basic unit of digital information; contraction of BInary digiT. More of patriotism. It is very important to understand where the banknote comes from at first glance. Who has never kept a banknote from another continent as a souvenir?

© U.S. dollarMonetary unit of the United States of America, and a number of other countries e.g. Australia, Canada and New Zealand. More ©Thailandese baht

And you, if you could create a currencyThe money used in a particular country at a particular time, like dollar, yen, euro, etc., consisting of banknotes and coins, that does not require endorsement as a medium of exchange. More, what would it be?

This is a difficult question because everything has already been done, more or less! From the first currencies – like the cow, the cowrie shell or tobacco – to the completely immaterial bitcoin… Many options have already been exploited. However, the thing that could be original in terms of exchangeThe Eurosystem comprises the European Central Bank and the national central banks of those countries that have adopted the euro. More would be to really go back to barter! Why not?

IMAGINE CURRENCY PHOTO CONTEST: JOIN NOW!

You still have a chance to share your imagination and win exciting prizes! The contest is open to everyone across the globe. It will run until 29 September 2021 at 23h59 (UTC+2), CEST: Central European Summer Time.

Click here to participate

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