If you know Chicago, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the city’s “Magnificent Mile,” a stretch of Michigan Avenue full of landmark hotels, chic shops, and popular restaurants. But a few blocks below the Chicago River, just south of the Magnificent Mile, is a magnificent museum: the American Writers Museum.
Just over eight years old, the museum’s mission is “to celebrate the past, promote the present, and inspire the future of writing in all its forms,” according to Karie McGahan, director of marketing for the museum. Appropriately enough for a member of NTA, the museum’s founding was inspired by trip.
Planning for the museum began in 2010. Business leader Malcolm O’Hagan had visited his native Ireland and toured the Dublin Writers Museum in Ireland, and he realized upon his return to the U.S. that no such museum existed in his adopted country. Creating a space to recognize American writers became O’Hagan’s goal, and, instead of a lone curator, he brought together a team of more than 40 experts from across the country to develop the museum.
“From the beginning,” McGahan explains, “we sought to create a museum unlike any other … one that reflects the diversity of richness of American writing.”
The museum is unique in that it features only deceased writers in its permanent exhibits, which allows the authors’ complete bodies of work to be explored, along with their enduring impact. That doesn’t mean the museum is stuck in the past, though.
“The American Writers Museum is not your typical museum,” MacGahan says. “It’s modern, interactive, and multi-sensory, with sights, sounds, smells, touchscreens, games, and even vintage typewriters you can try yourself.”
These immersive, engaging exhibits allow the museum to appeal to visitors of all ages, making it a great option for all kinds of groups. Tour operators will find several aspects of the museum appealing, such as its centralized location in downtown Chicago and the ability for motorcoaches to drop guests off directly at the museum entrance. Additionally, the museum has discounted admission for groups and gives each guest a free bookmark.
The museum is open to the public on Thursdays through Mondays, but it’s available by request for private groups on other days. These private visits are available for groups ranging in size from 10 to 250 visitors. Groups should expect to spend around 90 minutes visiting the museum, but McGahan said she can tailor a visit to fit any itinerary; visitors short on time can see highlights in just 30 minutes. The museum also offers 15-minute introductory tours, as well as tours with special themes.
Faith-based travelers will find even more reasons to visit the museum in the months and years ahead. This November, the museum will open its newest exhibit, American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture.
“The exhibit delves into the intersection of religion and the written word,” McGahan says. “It explores how writers of all backgrounds use their craft to express, wrestle with, and celebrate religious belief and spiritual identity—across literature, film, music, and even comedy.”
The American Prophets exhibit and its accompanying programming will run into 2026. Other special events at the museum in 2026 include the American Writers Festival, a celebration of the Route 66 Centennial, and an exploration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These events and exhibits are sure to resonate with travelers of faith and encourage them to ask questions about purpose, truth, identity, and meaning.
Of course, there are popular permanent exhibits that appeal to groups, such as the museum’s Children’s Literature Gallery, its interactive “Mind of a Writer” game, and “Story of the Day”, which gives guests the ability to craft their own story using a vintage typewriter. McGahan says the exhibits “span a broad spectrum of American writing—from novels to journalism, poetry to song lyrics, speeches to comics.”
In addition to touring the museum, groups can also use meeting space in the building and can have catered meals brought in. All private events held at the museum include exclusive access to the museum’s exhibits.
As a member of NTA and Faith Travel Association, the American Writers Museum adds a unique experience to any Chicago itinerary.
“We’re the only museum in the nation dedicated solely to celebrating American writers,” says McGahan. “Whether you’re a passionate reader, casual book lover, student, or curious traveler, the museum offers a dynamic and unforgettable journey.”
For more information about group visits to the American Writers Museum, tour operators and group leaders can contact McGahan’s team at 312.374.8765, or at groupsales@americanwritersmuseum.org.
Photos by American Writers Museum
