where every event tells a story
The American Writers Museum is your next Chicago event space. Located on the the famed Michigan Avenue, our state-of-the-art event spaces bring private events to life against the backdrop of the history of American writings, providing a truly unique experience. Private events held in the museum have exclusive access to all exhibits and guests can enjoy food and drink while exploring the museum. Like a good book, your guests won’t want the event to end!
With various rooms and seating options, we can accommodate a range of events – party room rentals, seated dinners in our Nation of Writers gallery, cocktail receptions in Readers Hall, intimate corporate breakfast meetings, indoor wedding venue, and more.Â
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Fill Out Venue Rental Request Form Here
Group Experiences
Our Group Sales team is ready to assist you with discounted group admission, tours, and corporate team building activities to make your group’s daytime visit memorable. For more information, please visit our Group Experiences page here. Add-ons include meeting room space in the building, drop-off catering, and after hours availability for events.
author talks / book signings
Are you an author interested in asking us to host an event? The AWM Program Department hosts author events which are typically in coordination with publishers. If interested in proposing a program partnership, please send an email with some details about the proposed program to programs@
Children’s Literature Gallery set up for a baby shower. Photo by Carasco Photography.
Seated dinner in Readers Hall. Capacity 60. Photo by American Writers Museum.
Theatre style in Readers Hall. Capacity 100. Photo by Carasco Photography.
Seated dinner in A Nation of Writers Gallery. Capacity 60. Photo by Carasco Photography
A Nation of Writers Gallery, set up as a party room rental. Capacity of cocktail reception in the entire museum: 250. Photo by Carasco Photography.
Seated dinner in Meijer Changing Gallery. Capacity 20. Photo by Carasco Photography.
Event Types Hosted
- Performing Arts/Film Screening
- Class/Educational Programming
- Author Talk and Book Signing
- and More!
The museum space is so inspirational – our speakers were thrilled to be presenting in the museum, and the event went smoothly thanks to [the staff’s] patience and skill.
– Elizabeth Clark, Juvenile Justice Initiative
Had a private event during the week. The staff were so professional, the food was scrumptious, and the exhibits are so powerful. A must for anyone in the area.
– Griselda RodrÃguez, Deans for Impact
The location/venue was so great. The food was incredible, and the staff was top notch. It was an absolute perfect night.
– Jake Bucher, Dominican University
[Our] sincerest gratitude for an extraordinary event. There could not have been a more perfect venue for our team.
Emily Ramshaw, The 19th
Chicago Event Space Details
Capacity
Cocktail reception in the entire museum: 250
Theatre style: 100
Seated dinner in Readers Hall: 60
Seated dinner in A Nation of Writers: 60
Seated dinner in Meijer Changing Gallery: 20
Rates
Early mornings: $1500/hr.
Evenings:
Events can be scheduled in blocks of 2, 3, or 4 hours.
Event up to 3 hours ……………………….. $3,500
Event up to 4 hours ……………………….. $4,500
501 (c)(3) organizations receive a 20-30% discount
depending on the day of the week.Â
EQUIPMENT
All facility rentals include the use of:
• Ten (10) sleek black highboy tables (linens not included)
• Up to one hundred (100) theatre-style chairs
• Three (3) coat racks with metal hangers
• Podium with a wireless PA system
• Handheld and Lavalier microphones
• Six (6) black stanchions
• Use of nine (9) television monitors
• Six (6) 66″ round tables (linens not included)
• Four (4) 6-ft folding tables (linens not included)
• Four (4) high-top chairs with backs, ideal for programming discussions
AV equipment for additional charge: 3 PTC-140ND Cameras, an RMC-300A camera controller, and a PC running VMix video production and streaming software. Inquire for more information and costs.
