American Writers Museum

The Basics

Learn about 100 authors and their works in the Writers Hall; explore the methodology behind key works in the Mind of a Writer exhibit; and discover major themes in American literature in the Nation of Writers. Word games, vintage typewriters, and a kid-friendly gallery will keep visitors of all ages entertained, while temporary exhibits may showcase rare memorabilia.

Book your tickets ahead of time to guarantee entry. Admission is also included as part of some Chicago sightseeing passes, and a visit to the museum can easily be combined with stops at other attractions in the city, either independently or as part of a guided tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The American Writers Museum is a must-visit for literature fans.

• Admission is free to children aged 12 and under.

• Author readings, film screenings, and workshops are held from time to time in the Readers Hall.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

The American Writers Museum is located in downtown Chicago and easily accessible by public transit. State & Lake and Washington & Wabash CTA ‘L’ stations and the Metra Millennium station are within two blocks of the museum, and a number of CTA buses stop nearby. For those driving, the most convenient parking lot is the Grant Park North Garage.

When to Get There

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on Thursday; it's closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Expect to spend between one and two hours here, longer if you are an avid reader or fan of the written word.

Chicago's Cultural Mile

The American Writers Museum is situated in a part of town known as the Chicago Cultural Mile. Other institutions here include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and the Pritzker Military Museum.

Ways to explore

Book your tickets ahead of time to guarantee entry to this popular downtown museum; admission is also included in the Chicago Explorer Pass. You can easily combine a visit to the museum with a city sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour. Learn about 100 U.S. authors and their works in the American Voices exhibit, explore the methodology behind key works in the Mind of a Writer gallery, and discover major themes in American literature in the Nation of Writers. Word games, hands-on typewriters, and a kid-friendly gallery keep visitors of all ages entertained, while temporary exhibits often showcase rare memorabilia.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible to people using wheelchairs.

Age limits

The Negaunee Foundation Children’s Gallery is aimed at families with small children; kids under the age of 12 enter for free.

What to pack

Chicago Public Library card to gain free entry for residents, reading glasses if needed

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Offensive language or themes when using the public typewriters to create stories

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop

Address

The American Writers Museum is located in downtown Chicago and is easily accessible by public transit or by car.

Driving

Take North Michigan Avenue to just south of East Lake Street to reach the museum. The closest parking lot is the Grant Park North Garage.

Public transportation

The nearest CTA L stations are State & Lake and Washington & Wabash, while the Metra Millennium station is one block south of the museum. A number of CTA buses also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. The interactive exhibits can get loud when being used by numerous visitors at once.

Best days to visit

The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and busiest on Saturdays and Sundays. Monday, Thursday, and Friday mornings are the quietest times.

Best months to visit

This indoor museum is an ideal retreat from Chicago’s icy winters and torrid summers. Climate control keeps it comfortable inside.

Special events

Two halls at the American Writers Museum are dedicated to temporary exhibits, which change regularly.