American Writers Museum
180 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois
Explore 500 years of American literature and learn about writers who have influenced American history, culture, and identity at the American Writers Museum. The first institution of its kind in the country to celebrate American writers, the museum features state-of-the-art and immersive exhibits to educate and inspire visitors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!