November 16, 2018 – November 3, 2019

Bob Dylan: Electric, the latest exhibit in the Meijer Exhibit Gallery, explores the towering presence of this poet and musician, as well as his impact on our culture for more than 55 years. From the brief, explosive period in which Bob Dylan electrified music, language, and history to his controversial Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, this exhibit does look back – and celebrates Dylan’s extraordinary contributions and enduring impact.

#BobDylanElectric What are your favorite Dylan lyrics? Use the hashtag to interact with the special exhibit Bob Dylan: Electric at the American Writers Museum in Chicago.
"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" (1965) Original manuscript on loan from the collection of Bill Pagel on display at the American Writers Museum in Chicago in the special exhibit Bob Dylan: Electric
Fender Stratocaster from the James Irsay Collection on display at the American Writers Museum in Chicago at the exhibit Bob Dylan: Electric
Fender guitar headstock in the special exhibit Bob Dylan: Electric at the American Writers Museum in Chicago

The year 1965 would prove pivotal for Dylan—an unprecedented period of expression and experimentation. He started 1965 co-headlining shows with Joan Baez, and throughout that year his music slowly evolved from fully acoustic to fully electric. In between came the “Dylan Goes Electric” set at the Newport Folk Festival—one of the most legendary and controversial performances in music history—as well as the tour of England captured in D.A. Pennebaker’s celebrated documentary Dont Look Back.

Lead Sponsor:

The Poetry Foundation logo

Partner Sponsor:

Robin and Sandy Stuart

Guild Sponsors:

American Songwriter: the craft of music logo
Heritage Auctions logo

Ivan & Kathy Kane

Susan and Doug Lyons

Shanti Nagarkatti

Ken and Jossy Nebenzahl

Roberta Rubin