New initiative at the American Writers Museum: the premiere of "American Prophets: Scribes, Faith, and Society," a unique exhibit and programming series exploring the intersection of literature, religion, and culture in the United States.

New initiative at the American Writers Museum: the premiere of "American Prophets: Scribes, Faith, and Society," a unique exhibit and programming series exploring the intersection of literature, religion, and culture in the United States.

The American Writers Museum in Chicago is set to open a new special exhibit and programming series titled "American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture" in November 2025. This exciting venture explores the complex relationship between religion and American culture through diverse mediums such as literature, film, music, and comedy.

The exhibit is supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative. The programming includes a variety of events that engage with this theme, such as:

• A writing workshop with R. O. Kwon on September 4, 2025, co-sponsored by StoryStudio Chicago.
• A live conversation with Paul Elie, author of The Last Supper, discussing the intersection of art, faith, and culture in the postsecular era.
• An in-person program on James Baldwin and Queer Spirituality, where author Christopher W. Hunt discusses Baldwin’s complex engagement with Christian symbols to create a unique spiritual vision.

These programs collectively examine how American writers and artists reflect, challenge, and shape religious and cultural identities in the United States through multiple forms of creative expression.

The museum, located at 180 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601, offers something for all age groups, including permanent exhibits and special galleries highlighting America's favourite works and authors. Group rates are available for 10 or more visitors, including adults, student travel groups, and University students.

Museum hours are Monday, Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM, and it is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets to the museum are $16 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and teachers, and free for members and children ages 12 and under.

Dark Testament, another special exhibit at the museum, originally premiered at the American Writers Museum in 2022 and is currently on view at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. This exhibit explores the enduring impact of Black writers from the end of the Civil War through the Civil Rights era, inspired by the works of Pauli Murray. It will return to the museum in November 2025, showcasing rare artifacts, interactive displays, and related creative works spanning literature, film, music, comedy, and more. More details on the writers and works featured in the exhibit will be announced later this year.

The American Writers Museum's President, Carey Cranston, emphasized the importance of exploring religion to remain true to the museum's mission. The content of the American Prophets exhibit will span numerous religions and faiths, including Agnosticism, Atheism, Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Humanism, Indigenous spiritualities, Islam, Judaism, Scientology, and Taoism.

The touring version of the special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice is part of the American Prophets initiative. The American Prophets programming includes public events with authors, field trip curriculum for students, podcasts, and additional online content. The museum kicked off its programming for American Prophets with "Making New Gods," a free event in partnership with the Chicago Public Library on April 22 at the Harold Washington Library Center.

Visitors to the American Writers Museum can look forward to a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the interplay between writing, religion, and culture in America.

1. The museum's new exhibit, "American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture," delves into the intricate partnership between religion and American culture, employing various mediums like literature, film, music, and comedy.
2. The exhibit is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative.
3. R.O. Kwon will conduct a writing workshop on September 4, 2025, co-sponsored by StoryStudio Chicago.
4. Paul Elie, author of "The Last Supper," will partake in a live conversation discussing the alliance of art, faith, and culture in the postsecular era.
5. An in-person program on James Baldwin and Queer Spirituality is scheduled, where Christopher W. Hunt will discuss Baldwin’s intricate engagement with Christian symbols to establish a unique spiritual vision.
6. These programs collectively analyze how American writers and artists affect, question, and mold religious and cultural identities in the United States through diverse creative modes.
7. The museum, found at 180 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601, caters to all age groups with permanent exhibits and special galleries dedicated to America's favourite works and authors.
8. Group rates are available for 10 or more visitors, including adults, student travel groups, and university students.
9. Museum hours are Monday, Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM, with closure on Tuesday and Wednesday.
10. Tickets to the museum cost $16 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and teachers, and are free for members and children aged 12 and under.
11. "Dark Testament," another special exhibit at the museum, initially debuted at the American Writers Museum in 2022 and is currently on view at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
12. This exhibit delves into the lingering influence of Black writers from the end of the Civil War through the Civil Rights era, inspired by the works of Pauli Murray.
13. After returning to the museum in November 2025, the exhibit will showcase rare artifacts, interactive displays, and related creative works spanning literature, film, music, comedy, and more.
14. More details on the writers and works featured in the exhibit will be unveiled later this year.
15. The museum's President, Carey Cranston, underscores the significance of examining religion to stay faithful to the museum's mission.
16. The content of the American Prophets exhibit will cover a broad spectrum of religions and beliefs, including Agnosticism, Atheism, Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Humanism, Indigenous spiritualities, Islam, Judaism, Scientology, and Taoism.
17. The touring version of the special exhibit "Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice" is part of the "American Prophets" initiative.
18. The museum's programming for American Prophets encompasses public events with authors, field trip curriculum for students, podcasts, and additional online content.
19. The museum initiated its programming for American Prophets with "Making New Gods," a free event in partnership with the Chicago Public Library on April 22 at the Harold Washington Library Center.
20. Visitors can anticipate a thought-provoking and immersive examination of the interplay between writing, religion, and culture in America.
21. The museum also offers a range of products in their online store, including publications, gifts, and subscriptions to their newsletter.
22. Whether you're a literature enthusiast, a history buff, or someone seeking a unique cultural experience, the American Writers Museum promises an enlightening and engaging journey through the pages of American literature and the interwoven tapestry of religion and culture.

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