About
American Prophets: Writers, Religion and Culture at American Writers Museum.
Go for the rare chance to see faith and American storytelling treated across literature, film, music and comedy in one exhibition, with more than 100 writers and creative works represented. It is especially strong for visitors who prefer tangible objects and interactive interpretation: do not miss Ursula K. Le Guin’s annotated Tao Te Ching, Harold Ramis’s pocket-sized Buddhist primer and Flannery O’Connor’s rosary and holy-water bottle.
What to expect
Plan on about 90 minutes for the museum, or a focused half hour if this exhibit is your only priority. Begin with the interactive displays and artifacts, then follow the theme beyond books into faith-inspired songs, imagined belief systems in Star Trek, Black Panther and Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, and religious humor. If you are short on time, prioritize the Le Guin, Ramis and O’Connor objects; with a full visit, continue into the museum’s permanent interactive galleries. On Friday, arrive no later than midafternoon so you have room before the 5pm close.
Good to know
- Friday hours are 10am to 5pm; the museum is also open Monday and Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm and closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Adult admission is $14 online or $16 at the door; seniors age 65 and older, students and teachers pay $10, and children age 12 and younger enter free.
- Buying adult admission online saves $2, and rotating temporary exhibitions are included with general admission.
- An average visit lasts about 90 minutes, while highlights can be seen in about 30 minutes.
- State & Lake and Washington & Wabash L stations are within two blocks; Millennium Station is one block south.
Also in Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Common questions
What are the hours on Friday, November 13?
The American Writers Museum is open from 10am to 5pm on Friday, November 13.
Is American Prophets included with museum admission?
Yes. The museum states that its rotating temporary exhibitions are included with general admission.
How much does admission cost?
Adults pay $14 online or $16 at the door; seniors, students and teachers pay $10, while children age 12 and younger enter free.
How long should I allow for the visit?
The museum says an average visit takes about 90 minutes, though highlights can be covered in about 30 minutes.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, but it does not have wheelchairs available to borrow.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. The museum has interactive exhibits and a Children’s Literature Gallery, and admission is free for children age 12 and younger.