The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. We work to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry.
Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, the Poetry Foundation houses a poetry library, exhibition space, and performance space that hosts free public poetry events for all to enjoy.
The Poetry Foundation Library is the Midwest’s only library dedicated to poetry. Visitors may browse a collection of more than 30,000 volumes, experience audio and video recordings in private listening booths, and view exhibits of poetry-related materials. In addition to providing public access to its collections in the form of a reading room, the library hosts interactive programs to inspire a wider readership for poetry in people of all ages.
Throughout the year, the Poetry Foundation hosts exhibitions celebrating poetry and poets in its gallery. Additionally, poets lead readings, lectures, and celebrations of poetry in the Poetry Foundation’s performance space. All events are free and open to the public, include live captioners (CART) and/or American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, and offer opportunities to connect virtually from anywhere.
The Poetry Foundation is the home of Poetry magazine, published in Chicago since 1912. Poetry publishes contemporary work primarily in English and translations of poets from all over the United States and the world. Current and past issues of Poetry are available to read in the library and for purchase from the Poetry Foundation’s guest experience team or online.
Visit this serene, airy building designed by Chicago-based architect John Ronan to engage with and celebrate poetry!
Hours:
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday: 11 AM–5 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: CLOSED
