Add the American Writers Museum to your Chicago museums membership list this year! AWM Memberships make a great gift this holiday season for the readers and writers in your life.

We offer several options for individuals and households to best suit your needs, including new membership levels for teachers, students, and out-of-town folks. Details are included below, along with the many perks that come with being an AWM member.

All memberships, including gift memberships, are fulfilled digitally. Membership cards are sent directly to the membership recipient’s email.

New Specialty Memberships purchased in November and December will activate on January 1, 2024

Individual

One year: $50
Two years: $90

  • Unlimited free admission to the AWM for 1 adult
  • Free admission for 2 guests per year
  • 15% discount on retail purchases
  • Discounts on admission to in-person author programs and special events, including our monthly Get Lit after-hour series
  • Free admission to AWM virtual programs
  • Invitations to member-only events, including exhibit previews and Member Appreciation Night
  • Free admission to 14 Affiliate Author Home Museums nationwide: See list here
  • Access to the AWM Member Hub, featuring exclusive digital content
  • 15% discount on adult group experiences, including specialty group tours
  • Special acknowledgment of long-term members through our Member Milestones program
  • Member-only direct email for information and assistance
  • Monthly e-newsletter updates

Household

One year: $80
Two years: $150

  • All Individual membership benefits, plus:
  • Unlimited free admission for 2 adults and kids under 18
  • Free admission for 4 guests per year

The Literary Circle

✓ BEST VALUE 

One year: $125 

  • All Household membership benefits, plus:
  • Free admission for 6 guests per year
  • Reciprocal admission to more than 900 museums across the country through the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association and the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)
  • 25% discount on adult group experiences, including specialty group tours

Learn more in this Literary Circle booklet

Join Now

Specialty Memberships

Out-of-Town Membership

Members must live outside the state of Illinois

One year: $29

  • All Individual membership benefits

E-Membership

✓ MOST AFFORDABLE

One year: $14

  • Free admission to AWM virtual programs (exceptions apply)
  • Access to AWM Member Hub, featuring exclusive digital content
  • Invitations to member-only virtual events
  • Special acknowledgment of long-term members through our Member Milestones program
  • 15% discount on retail purchases
  • Monthly e-newsletter

An exciting option for long distance visitors, e-memberships do not include any in-person benefits.

Student Membership

Full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled in college are eligible for discounted membership. Proof of enrollment required.

One year: $24

  • All Individual membership benefits

Educator Membership

Teachers, librarians, and school administrators are eligible for discounted membership. Proof of employment required.

One year: $24

  • All Individual membership benefits
Join Now

*Printed membership cards available upon request.

Donor Societies

Wordsmith

$250 – $499

  • 2 digital membership cards, with all Household membership benefits
  • Unlimited free admission for 2 adults and 2 adult guests
  • Invitations to special events for donors
  • Recognition on AWM website
  • Subscription to the OnWord Donor Newsletter
Join Now

Storyteller

$500 – $999

  • All Wordsmith benefits, plus:
  • Unlimited free admission for 2 adults and 4 adult guests
  • 10% discount on private rental of the museum
Join Now

muse society

The Muse Society is a group of dedicated individuals who support the AWM with annual gifts of $1,000 or more.

  • 2 digital membership cards, with all Household membership benefits
  • Unlimited free admission for 2 adults and 4 adult guests
  • Invitations to special events for donors
  • Recognition on the donor wall in the Museum
  • Recognition on AWM website
  • Subscription to the OnWord Donor Newsletter
Join Now

Patron

$1,000 – $2,499

  • All Muse Society benefits, plus:
  • 20% discount on private museum event rental

Laureate

$2,500 – $4,999

  • All Muse Society benefits, plus:
  • 40% discount on private museum event rental

Champion

$5,000 – $9,999

  • All Muse Society benefits, plus:
  • 60% discount on private museum event rental
  • Private tour with AWM President

Visionary

$10,000+

  • All Muse Society benefits, plus:
  • Free private museum rental event w/ presentation by AWM President
  • Advanced notice & reserved seating at most popular events