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American Writers Museum

Location

180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60601

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 and Safety

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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