American Prophets: Now Extended Through March 22, 2027

American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture, is a powerful exhibit that takes you on the ultimate exploration through spirituality and storytelling. Travel through vibrant spaces that trace the many paths of American faith, from sacred rituals to songs of devotion. Discover rare artifacts and creative works from literature, film, music, and comedy along the way. This isn’t just an exhibit—it’s a shared journey of reflection, inspiration, and connection through the stories that move us all.

Click Here to Explore American Prophets

“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)

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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 Events

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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.

2019 Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

Illinois Arts Council

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

Charity Navigator - Four Star Rating
AWM Staff Picks: November 2026
AWM Staff Picks: November 2026
November 2, 2026

Reading, watching, listening, and gaming recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We [...]

AWM Staff Picks October 2026
AWM Staff Picks: October 2026
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Reading, watching, listening, and gaming recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We [...]

American Writers Museum’s Special Exhibit AMERICAN PROPHETS: WRITERS, RELIGION, AND CULTURE Extended through March 22, 2027
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Museum-supported book A Nation Wrestles with God explores 400+ years of spiritual transformation and imagination [...]

AWM Staff Picks September 2026
AWM Staff Picks: September 2026
September 3, 2026

Reading, watching, listening, and gaming recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We [...]

AWM Staff Picks: August 2026
August 5, 2026

Reading, watching, listening, and gaming recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We [...]

Holiness & Humor: Religious Themes in Comics
Holiness & Humor: Religious Themes in Comics
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This blog is presented in conjunction with our special exhibit American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and [...]

AWM Staff Picks July 2026
AWM Staff Picks: July 2026
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Reading, watching, listening, and gaming recommendations from the staff of the American Writers Museum. We [...]

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A National Museum Celebrating American Writers

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