4.6 (11,501 Reviews)

American Writers Museum in Chicago, IL

180 N. Michigan Ave. • Chicago, IL 60601
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A man and woman sitting next to each other typing on old green typewriters at the Story of the Day exhibit at the American Writers Museum.
A woman taking a photo of the colorful Special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice.
Three woman gathered around the interactive touch screen exhibit Word Play at the American Writers Museum.
A woman standing in front of the Word Waterfall with the Statue of Liberty made out of words at the American Writers Museum.
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Overview

In the heart of downtown Chicago, the Writers Museum on Michigan Avenue walks you through centuries of American history and culture from the writers' perspective. The American Writers Museum-Chicago is the only museum devoted to diverse US writers and writings, with fun multi-sensory exhibits to celebrate the past and promote the future of American literature!

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Good To Know

  • The first and only museum devoted to a diverse and inclusive range of American writers and their works.
  • Located at 180 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL.
  • A fun and exciting way to learn American literature and how it has shaped the country’s history and culture through interactive exhibits that appeal to all senses.
  • There’s always something new to experience and learn for all ages—permanent exhibits and current and upcoming programs.
  • Free museum admission to children 12 years old and below.
  • The museum is accessible to people with diverse abilities and offers assistive listening devices and large print guides.
  • The museum has a gift shop that sells books, souvenirs, and merchandise related to American writers and literature.
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Description

The first of its kind in the United States, the American Writers Museum features fun and interactive exhibits for readers and writers of all ages. Picture yourself stepping into a world where words come alive, and the power of storytelling takes center stage. From an amazing Word Waterfall to a surprise bookshelf that engages all five senses, visitors of all ages and interests will find something engaging and surprising at this distinctive downtown Chicago museum.

The American Writers Museum commemorates the enduring impact of American writers on our history, identity, culture, and day-to-day lives through an array of must-see exhibits. Get a glimpse of what everyday Americans were reading throughout history, and weigh in on their favorite reading material. Gain insight into how writers think and into their daily discipline and habits necessary to get the job done. Play word games and impress others with your knowledge. Contribute your own creativity by adding a line to a story collectively written by museum visitors each day.

American writing is unique, diversified, and available in a wide range of formats from all around the country. The American Writers Museum, the only museum devoted to American writers and their works, will introduce you to their favorite writers and works spanning over five centuries while also encouraging you to discover new works of every genre, including poetry, songs, speeches, theatre, fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and more.
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Promotional Images (9)
A woman interacting with the Surprise Bookshelf exhibit in the Nation of Writers gallery at the American Writers Museum. A man and woman interacting with the featured works tables in the Mind of a Writer gallery at the American Writers Museum. A young man looking at multicolored pieces of art at the Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice at the American Writers Museum. A man and woman sitting at black typewriters at the Story of the Day exhibit in the Mind of a Writer gallery at the American Writers Museum.
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American Writers Museum Reviews

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866TaylorB
Chicago, Illinois
"Celebrating the history of American writing"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 04, 2025 NEW
Which Chicago writers are represented in the American Writers Museum? Nelson Algren, of course. And Ernest Hemingway. Upton Sinclair. Carl Sandburg. Edgar Lee Masters. Sherwood Anderson. Theodore Dreiser. Gwendolyn Brooks. And I worked at the Sun-Times when columnist Mike Royko wrote his famous "Boss." All of them are highlighted in the American Writers Museum in Chicago. Located at 180 North Michigan Avenue, on the second floor, in the Loop, near Millennium Park, it is a one-of-a-kind museum that traces the history of writing in the United States. As a retired newspaperman and a voracious reader, I am fascinated by the American Writers Museum, the only museum in the country that is devoted to American writers and their works for over 400 years...poetry, lyrics, drama, fiction, nonfiction, speeches, journalism. It is a destination for people who love to read and write and explore. Where else can you find a typewriter? Open from 10 to 5 Thursday through Monday and opened in 2017, the museum features exhibits, artifacts and interactive displays. Among the most interesting exhibits are Frederick Douglass: Agitator, which explores the late life of the famous writer and orator; Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice, from the end of the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement; Pauli Murray, Survival with Dignity, detailing the works of a poet, activist, lawyer and priest; and Ray Bradbury, Indistinguishable, exploring Bradbury's writing and its influence on our history and daily lives.
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Mobile48480758234
"Very interesting "
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 04, 2025 NEW
Had a wonderful time. Very interesting. Not exactly my type of thing but I actually had a very good time. Plenty of room to roam. Alot of interactive things to do.
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Tbryan8387
Evans, Georgia
"Very interactive and enjoyable. "
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 15, 2025
Enjoyed the interactive exhibits, especially the typewriters. Lots of information on a variety of writers. Great place to get inspired to write and to read!
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IndianaTravelmom
South Bend, Indiana
"Small but worth your time"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 10, 2024
Really enjoyed our visit and spent about 2 hours here. There’s a timeline with various authors represented that was highly informative. There are some interactive exhibits as well. Though small in scale it was well worth a stop
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American Writers Museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Ave. • Chicago, IL 60601
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Frequently Asked Questions about American Writers Museum

What are the American Writers Museum hours?

The museum is open 10 AM – 5 PM daily, except Wednesdays and the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, December 24, December 25, and January 1.

Where is the museum located?

The American Writers Museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601.

Where is the nearest parking?

The American Writers Museum is near the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago, so parking is most convenient at Grant Park North Garage. You can find reduced-rate pre-purchased parking available online at all Millennium Garages.

How to get to the museum?

You can drive or take public transit to get to the American Writers Museum. Via Car From the North: Take I-90 E/I-94 E to the exit for Washington Boulevard, turn left onto W. Washington Boulevard. Turn left onto Michigan Ave. The museum is on the left. From the South: Take I-90 W/I-94 W to I-55 to the Lake Shore Drive Exit. After 2 miles, take the Randolph Street exit. Turn left on Randolph and follow it five (5) blocks to Michigan Ave. From the West: Take I-290 E to Ida B. Wells Drive. Turn left on S. Dearborn St. Turn right on Lake Street. Turn right onto N. Michigan Ave. The museum is immediately on the right. Via Public Transit The AWM is easily accessible via public transit. Many CTA buses have stops nearby. State & Lake and Washington & Wabash CTA ‘L’ stations are within two (2) blocks of the museum, and the Metra Millennium Station is one block south.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, the museum is suitable for all ages. Children 12 years old and below can visit the museum for free!

Is the museum wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, there is an elevator to access the second floor. There’s also a gender-neutral, family restroom with wide stalls and grab bars.

Can I bring food or drinks into the museum?

No, food and drinks are not allowed in the museum. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby where you can enjoy a meal or a snack.

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