American Writers Museum, Chicago

About American Writers Museum

American Writers Museum explores four centuries of American writing through interactive galleries and rotating exhibits in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Visitors explore the Chicago Gallery, which features audio and rotating panels on local writers, and the Word Waterfall, where projected patriotic texts prompt reflection. The Story of the Day exhibit lets visitors type on vintage typewriters to compose their own work, while the Surprise Bookshelf offers multisensory engagement with writing across genres from journalism to hip hop. The current American Prophets exhibit examines faith and writing through rare artifacts and creative works spanning literature, film, music, and comedy. Adult admission is sixteen dollars, though tickets purchased online in advance cost fourteen dollars. Free admission is available on the third Sunday of every month and to Chicago Public Library cardholders aged eighteen and older. Those receiving SNAP benefits qualify for free admission for up to four people with an EBT card.