---
title: American Writers Museum
slug: american-writers-museum-chicago
type: attraction
sub_type: museums
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/american-writers-museum-chicago
city: Chicago
state: IL
country: US
address: 180 N. Michigan Ave.
geo:
  lat: 41.88541
  lng: -87.62483
duration: up to 2 hrs
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T16:51:49.467Z
price_from:
  amount: 14
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 4.5
  count: 455
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: Admission Ticket
        price: 14
        regular_price: 16
        savings: 2
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (13+ yrs)
            min_age: 13
          - name: Students & Teachers (w/ valid ID) (13+ yrs)
            min_age: 13
          - name: Child (0-12 yrs)
            min_age: 0
            max_age: 12
          - name: Senior (65+ yrs)
            min_age: 65
---
## Overview

In the heart of downtown Chicago, the American Writers Museum on Michigan Avenue celebrates American literature through diverse and interactive exhibits, showcasing centuries of history and culture from the writers' perspective.

## What's Included

- Admission to the American Writers Museum featuring fun and interactive exhibits for all ages.
- Access to permanent exhibits and current and upcoming programs.
- Free museum admission for children 12 years old and below.
- Use of assistive listening devices and large print guides for visitors with diverse abilities.

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **Admission Ticket** — $14.00 (regularly $16.00, save $2.00)
  American Writers Museum tickets give you access to over five centuries of remarkable, diverse American writing in all genres, including poetry, lyrics, speeches, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and more! Immerse yourself in fun and interactive galleries and exhibits.
  - Adult (13+ yrs)
  - Students & Teachers (w/ valid ID) (13+ yrs)
  - Child (0-12 yrs)
  - Senior (65+ yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## 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.
* 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.
* The museum is open 10 AM – 5 PM daily, except Wednesdays and these holidays: Thanksgiving Day, December 24, December 25, and January 1.
* The museum is suitable for all ages.
* There is an elevator to access the second floor and a gender-neutral, family restroom with wide stalls and grab bars.
* Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum.
* Parking is most convenient at Grant Park North Garage; reduced-rate pre-purchased parking is available online at all Millennium Garages.
* The museum is easily accessible via public transit with many nearby CTA bus stops and 'L' stations within two blocks.

## What's Not Included

- Food or drinks (not allowed inside the museum).

## FAQs

### 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.

## Reviews

> "Hidden gem!"
> — Sine-Wave, July 22, 2025

> "Very educational"
> — IanG762, July 19, 2025

> "Let's Celebrate Writers!"
> — carloscQ6056YX, July 16, 2025

> "Unique museum in the USA"
> — HaMo1822, June 15, 2025

> "Celebrating the history of American writing"
> — 866TaylorB, June 04, 2025

> "Very interesting "
> — Mobile48480758234, June 04, 2025

> "Very interactive and enjoyable. "
> — Tbryan8387, May 15, 2025

> "Small but worth your time"
> — IndianaTravelmom, November 10, 2024

> "If you're an avid reader, you'll enjoy this"
> — E8702QDtoms, August 27, 2024

> "How can the contributions made by American writers be communicated?"
> — tradexfastu, August 22, 2024

> "Brilliant museum with range of interesting exhibits"
> — Resort20968396731, July 24, 2024

> "Museum for Literature Lovers is Overall Wheelchair Inclusive"
> — ChronicallySaltyLife, June 09, 2024

> "A Great Museum Experience for Kids & Adults!"
> — anujav82, March 16, 2024

> "Type on a typewriter!"
> — didielam, February 29, 2024

> "Fun, interactive, informative."
> — 510loganr, February 29, 2024

> "Must visit for anyone who appreciates, or should, the history and artistic value of American writing."
> — V2668EWalana, February 18, 2024

> "Rick in history!"
> — David_J_from_Chicago, January 06, 2024