Level Up Your Fall at the American Writers Museum
September 12, 2024 (CHICAGO) – The American Writers Museum (AWM) invites gaming enthusiasts and literature lovers alike to honor National Video Games Day today by exploring their temporary exhibit Level Up: Writers & Gamers, which showcases the fascinating relationship between gaming and storytelling. This exhibit, included with general admission, runs through May 5, 2025.
As part of its fall programming, the AWM is proud to partner with Chicago Public Library for their annual One Book, One Chicago initiative, hosting a series of events in September and October that will highlight Gabrielle Zevin’s bestselling novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, engage with Level Up, and inspire readers and writers of all ages to tell their stories. Best of all, all of these events are free to attend.
The AWM is offering a free day on Sunday, September 15, as part of its initiative to grant free access every third Sunday of the month. On this special day, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a discussion led by AWM staff about Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. This novel follows the journey of two childhood friends, once estranged, who reunite as adults to create video games. This book talk will be offered twice this fall. For more information and to register, click here.
Ari Bachechi, the lead curator of Level Up, will be leading a Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow themed tour of the exhibit on September 23 and 30. This exclusive opportunity allows visitors to learn more about the real-life games and game writers that inspired the book. In a recent blog post titled “Why Video Games Matter,” Bachechi gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Level Up and highlights the positive impact of video games. The AWM is actively collecting visitor testimonials about the inspiring nature of gaming to be shown in the exhibit on a rotating basis.
Rise of the Dragons is the theme of the museum’s next Get Lit, a popular after hours event on the second Tuesday of each month. The October 8 event will feature drinks, trivia, games, and more. Meet Andrew Wheeler, author of Puncheons & Flagons: The Official Dungeons & Dragons Cocktail Book, as he demonstrates how to make a cocktail from his book.
The AWM will also be launching a Level Up film series this fall. The October 13 screening is of the hit blockbuster Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and will be followed by a discussion of the film’s themes and how they connect to Level Up and CPL’s One Book, One Chicago initiative.
Level Up Press Kit Available HERE>>
About the American Writers Museum
The American Writers Museum is the first museum of its kind in the United States. The mission of the American Writers Museum is to excite audiences about the impact of American writers – past, present and future – in shaping our collective histories, cultures, identities, and daily lives. The museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601, and offers something for every age group including permanent exhibits and special galleries highlighting America’s favorite works and the authors behind them. Tickets to the museum are $16 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and teachers. Free for members and children ages 12 and under. To inquire about discounted rates for groups of 10 or more, including adults, student travel groups, and University students, visit AmericanWritersMuseum.org/visit/groups/ or call 312-374-8765. Museum hours are Thursday—Monday, 10 AM—5 PM. For more information visit AmericanWritersMuseum.org or call 312-374-8790. Follow AWM on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.