Chicago Museum Hours & Tickets
Welcome to the American Writers Museum, one of the best museums in Chicago and your ticket into the interactive, inspirational, and surprising world of American writing of all genres. Learn about the history of writing in the United States and how it has shaped our lives through exhibits that stretch your imaginations and appeal to all 5 senses. Then, explore the intricacies of language through games and try writing something for yourself on a vintage typewriter!
Our museum hours and admission and accessibility information follows. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Hours of Operation
Monday: 10am – 5pm
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed*
(only open for private events and rentals)
*December 30th & 31st: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 10am – 5 pm*
*January 1: Closed
Friday: 10am – 5 pm
Saturday: 10am – 5 pm
Sunday: 10am – 5 pm
Tickets
| Adults | $16 |
| Seniors (ages 65+) | $10 |
| Students & Teachers (w/ valid ID) | $10 |
| Children (ages 12 & younger) | Free |
Prices subject to change
Admission Discount Offers
The AWM offers free admission on the third Sunday of every month. See upcoming free days here.
Museums for All
Those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits receive free admission, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Museums for All is part of the American Writers Museum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.
Blue Star Museums
Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2024 program began on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance.
Chicago Public Library—Explore More Illinois Digital Pass
Chicago Public Library cardholders in good standing aged 18 and over are eligible to receive free admission for up to 4 people. May reserve twice a year.
Visit chipublib.org/digitalpasses and log in with your library card number and PIN.
RAILS Explore More Illinois
Explore More Illinois allows cardholders from participating RAILS and IHLS public libraries (northern and west-central IL) to reserve 100% off adult museum admission from the American Writers Museum. May reserve twice a year.
Visit the Explore More Illinois login page https://exploremore.quipugroup.net/ to see if your library is participating, Type in your library card number and password (if applicable).
Libraries First Museum Adventure Pass
Receive 100% off adult museum admission by checking out a Museum Adventure Pass using your Library card. Illinois Libraries have a limited number of passes for the American Writers Museum, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Start your adventure at https://www.museumadventure.org/.
Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)
ROAM members receive free admission to the AWM. Show your ROAM member card/info at the front desk for complimentary admission. Learn more at https://sites.google.com/site/roammuseums.
North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
NARM members receive free admission to the AWM. Show your NARM member card/info at the front desk for complimentary admission. Learn more at https://narmassociation.org/.
Holiday Hours
The AWM will be closed the following days: Thanksgiving Day, December 24, December 25 & January 1
Administrative Office Hours
We’re in the office Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; we’re available by phone at (312) 374-8790.
