Name: Bird Watch Scavenger Hunt
Start: 2026-04-01
End: 2026-04-30
Location: American Writers Museum

America at 250: Explore the Writers Who Shaped the Nation

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the American Writers Museum explores ideas of independence, equality, and identity through more than 400 years of American writing. Discover a new pop-up exhibit, public programs, and a student writing competition inviting new voices to reflect on the opening words of the Declaration of Independence and what they mean today.

Click Here to Explore America250

“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

visitor testimonials

“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 American Writers Museum is open Thursday through Monday from 10am to 5pm.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
(only open for private events and rentals)

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

01Apr

Bird Watch Scavenger Hunt

American Writers Museum

14Apr

Get Lit: Speakeasy Rhymes

American Writers Museum

19Apr

Monthly Free Museum Day

American Writers Museum

20Apr

Water to Water: Gaza Renga – Marilyn Hacker & Deema Shehabi (IN PERSON)

American Writers Museum

No event found!

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#americanwritersmuseum

As a nonprofit organization, the American Writers Museum is almost entirely funded by individual contributions. There are a variety of ways you can support the museum, such as memberships, donations, and sponsorships. Click here to learn more and make your gift today.

Donate Become a Member

The American Writers Museum acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council

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America at 250: Explore the Writers Who Shaped the Nation

visitor testimonials

The American Writers Museum is open Thursday through Monday from 10am to 5pm.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday (only open for private events and rentals)

find your words

Upcoming Programs

As a nonprofit organization, the American Writers Museum is almost entirely funded by individual contributions. There are a variety of ways you can support the museum, such as memberships, donations, and sponsorships. Click here to learn more and make your gift today.

A National Museum Celebrating American Writers

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
(only open for private events and rentals)