A May 16 grand opening is planned for the new American Writers Museum in downtown Chicago. Located on North Michigan Avenue, the museum showcases noteworthy American writers including Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, Jack Kerouac and writer-illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel (also known as Dr. Seuss), and their influence on the history of the country and both its culture and identity. Planned permanent exhibits include Story of the Day, Word Waterfall, Surprise Bookshelf, Home Town Authors, A Nation of Writers, American Voices, Communities, Word Play, Chicago Writers: Visionaries and Troublemakers, Anatomy of a Masterwork and Children’s Literature Gallery.

The museum’s stated mission plan is to educate the public about past and present American writers, to inspire visitors and to “engage visitors to the Museum in exploring the many exciting worlds created by the spoken and written word.” Exhibitions will include themed galleries; interactive games and exhibits; educational programming; lectures; and special events. Films, lectures and readings will be offered in the Readers Hall. The museum will be open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.