In the heart of downtown Chicago, the American Writers Museum is the first and only national museum honoring American writers and their work, with interactive exhibits and programs that celebrate the past, promote the present and inspire the future of writing in the United States.
The American Writers Museum was created to celebrate the writers and their work. Exhibits showcase the writers who helped shape our history – writers of novels, song lyrics, poetry, plays, speeches, comics, journalism, humor, and more. The museum is a modern, interactive place with sights, sounds, scents, touchscreens, and original installations.
Our programs with award-winning and bestselling authors promote today’s writers, by bringing them together with their readers. These events take readers beyond the page, to hear from their favorite authors about their books, their impact, the writing process, and the subjects they write about.
There’s something for everyone, from children’s storytimes and author talks to literary cocktail tastings.
Find Your Words!
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: $14 – Adults, $9 – Seniors (65+), $9 – Students (w/ valid ID), Children (ages 12 & younger) Free.
Special offer: $5 off museum admission
Discount
Seniors (65+), students and seniors (with valid ID) always receive $5 off admission to the American Writers Museum. Regular rate $14. Special exhibits included. Children ages 12 and under are free.
Special offer: Discounted Group Admission
Groups
Experience the American Writers Museum with groups of 10 or more, including adults, student travel groups, and university students, and receive discounted admission. Adults $10/person, Seniors & Students $7/person. Guided or unguided tours available.
Special offer: Free Women Writers Tour
Free
Connect with the groundbreaking ideas, cultural insights, emotions, activists, political leaders and visionaries. Trailblazing Women Writers Tour is offered at 3:00pm through May 15, Th-M. This 15-minute tour is included with museum admission.
Special offer: Free Writing Queer Tours
Free
Explore the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ writers whose sexuality and gender identities surface in their work. Writing Queer Tour offered at 3:00pm June 1-July 31, Th-M. This 15-minute tour is included with museum admission.
Health & Safety Policy URLView Policy
CDC Recommended Cleaning Procedures
Hand Wash/Sanitizer Stations
Reduced Occupancy/Occupancy Limits
Wheelchair Accessible
Student Tours
Motorcoach ParkingOff-site
Average Visit/Tour Length30-60 minutes
Team Building Activities Offered
Maximum Group Number50
Group Discounts Available
Minimum Size for Group Admission Rate10
Miles from O'Hare Airport17.5
Miles from Midway Airport12.8
Miles from Navy Pier1.2
Miles from McCormick Place2.6
Miles from Downtown0.6
Visa
MasterCard
Discover
American Express
Student Group Friendly
Special Interest Tours Offered
Public Space Wi-Fi Available
ADA Compliant
Self-Parking AvailableOff-site
Number of Retail Stores
Hours of OperationThursdays through Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Family-friendly
Military Discount
Buy-out Max Capacity250
Preferred Catering Providers
Total Square Footage of Exhibit Space11000
Number of Meeting Rooms5
Largest Room, Theater Capacity100
Largest Room, Reception Capacity (Standing)150
Largest Room, Banquet Capacity (Seated)60
Exhibit Space Available
On-site Audio/Visual Equipment
In-house/Exclusive Caterer(s)
Complete Buy-out Available
Max Capacity, Theater Style90
Max Capacity, Reception Style (Standing)250
Max Capacity, Banquet Style (Seated)60
Video Conferencing Available
Max Venue Capacity250
Private Meeting Space Available
Private Dining Available
Group Menu
Group Breakfast Available
Box Lunches Available
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