Visit the Architecture Institute of America Award-winning home for poetry in downtown Chicago, the Poetry Foundation. This serene minimalist building designed by Chicago-based architect John Ronan opened in 2011, becoming the physical embodiment of Poetry magazine founder Harriet Monroe’s Open Door policy. Enter through the inviting tree-lined courtyard, then decide whether you’d like to explore the Library or Gallery first: the Library contains more than 30,000 volumes of poetry and the Gallery hosts seasonally rotating exhibitions. Don’t forget to do your vocal warmups for the Foundation’s adaptable and acoustically perfected performance space, where over 100 free poetry events are held annually.
Behind the Scenes
Tour the only building in Chicago devoted to the art of poetry.
