American Writers Museum

Chicago


Bibliophiles will have a grand time in this museum, where American writers spanning the ages – from Edgar Allen Poe to Elie Wiesel, James Baldwin to Edith Wharton – get their due. Interactive exhibits trace the history of the American voice in nonfiction and literature, while rotating displays celebrate individual wordsmiths. Another exhibit provides exercises and tips for your own writing (along with a table of old typewriters). The colorful Children's Literature gallery features story times and books to read.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chicago attractions

1. Chicago Cultural Center

0.1 MILES

This exquisite, beaux-arts building began its life as the Chicago Public Library in 1897. Today the block-long structure houses terrific art exhibitions …

2. Marshall Field Building

0.17 MILES

Weep all you want over the old Marshall Field’s becoming Macy’s, but the building remains a classic no matter who’s in it. The iconic bronze corner clocks…

3. Chicago Architecture Center

0.19 MILES

The CAC is the premier keeper of Chicago’s architectural flame. Pop in to explore its excellent galleries, which feature an interactive 3-D model of…

4. Riverwalk

0.2 MILES

Winding along the Chicago River’s southern side next to Wacker Dr, this 1.25-mile-long promenade is a fine spot to escape the crowds and watch boats glide…

5. Cloud Gate

0.21 MILES

Anish Kapoor's beloved silver sculpture in Millennium Park is known informally as 'the Bean.' It reflects both the sky and the skyline, and everyone…

6. Design Museum of Chicago

0.21 MILES

This small industrial space in the Block 37 mall puts on nifty free exhibitions about contemporary and historical design. The shows change every four…

7. Pritzker Pavilion

0.21 MILES

Pritzker Pavilion is Millennium Park's acoustically awesome band shell. Architect Frank Gehry designed it and gave it his trademark swooping silver…

8. Aqua Tower

0.23 MILES

Aqua made waves when it appeared in 2009. Local architect Jeanne Gang designed the 86-story tower (set to be surpassed in 2020, when her 93-story Vista…