Originally constructed as a thermal power plant in 1911, the Mint Museum is the only western-style brick building dating back to the Meiji era on the premises of the Japan Mint. The building was renovated into the Mint Museum in 1969, with the facade left in its original state in order to preserve this historical building and establish a facility for introducing the Japan Mint's activities to the public.A major renovation began in 2008 with the goal of engaging with the public and creating a more people-friendly, environmentally friendly, and interesting museum. Exhibitions and facilities were redone using the newest techniques, and, in April 2009, the Mint Museum reopened.