“Amazing place to reflect on American voices, for people who love to read and write and explore what it means to develop their own voice.” 

Alison, May 2022 Visitor

“It’s a beautiful and very worthwhile place, quiet, flowing and very interactive.”

Stella Liu, May 2023 Visitor

“Love this museum! Place for you who enjoy any kind of literature, from novel, speech, song, poem, poetry, history of literature, etc.”

Stephanie Gwee, September 2019 Visitor

The Museum is open 10am to 5pm

Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

find your words

Hover over the images to see what our visitors are saying!

A large crowd of people looking at paintings at the American Writers Museum in Chicago
"The Dark Testament exhibition on black writers and their fight against racial injustice during the 1800-1900s was the best part, in my opinion." - Kelsie, August 2023
3 people typing on manual typewriters at the American Writers Museum in Chicago
"It's inclusive and diverse, not just in the writers featured but also in the types of writing and information. The opportunity to type an old school typewriter again was a nice surprise" - Sharon, January 2024
Man and young girl read together in the Children's Gallery
"What a great little find. Wonderfully interactive and very thought provoking for all ages." -Joyce, January 2024

Upcoming Programs

See our full calendar here

No event found!
Load More

Share your story with us when you visit!

#americanwritersmuseum

Attend the American Writers Festival, a free literary event, on May 19, 2024 in Chicago.

2019 Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

AWM Staff Picks: April 2024

Reading Recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We can’t recommend these books [...]

AWM Staff Picks: March 2024

Reading Recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We can’t recommend these books [...]

AWM Staff Picks: February 2024

Reading Recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We can’t recommend these books [...]

2023 Program and Podcast Highlights

During yet another challenging year for many of us, we once again found comfort in [...]

Black Poetry Day Resources

Celebrate Black Poetry Day! We have a number of things to do and ways to [...]

Black History Month – 28 Days of Black Writers

Celebrate Black History Month with a look back at 28 days of Black writers. February [...]

Black History Month Reading List

A list of book recommendations for Black History Month, along with podcasts and videos to [...]

Banned Books Reading List

Welcome to the AWM’s banned books reading list! Now more than ever, authors across the [...]

A National Museum Celebrating American Writers