Ernest Hemingway Museum and House

Ernest Hemingway Museum and House showing a house and signage
A captivating insight into the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning author and one of the true giants of American literature.

A tribute to one of the most famous and prolific writers ever to have emerged from the United States, the Ernest Hemingway Museum and House is a place of pilgrimage for literary aficionados from across the globe. The site comprises two different buildings, both situated only a short distance from each other in the Oak Park neighbourhood just to the west of the downtown Loop.

When you pay a visit, head first for the museum situated within the Oak Park Arts Centre. Here you can find out more about the life of Ernest Hemingway himself, whose books have been read and loved by millions all over the globe, and whose work earned him the 1954 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Delve into his early years by looking at his childhood diary as well as rare childhood photographs. You will also be able to see a break-up note written to the young Hemingway by his first love, the nurse Agnes von Kurowsky.

You’ll also have the chance to take a look at some of his early writing, which shows from a tender age traces of the blunt, concise style of writing that would make his work famous and immediately recognisable to readers everywhere. Finish your tour of the Museum with a visit to the gift shop where you’ll find posters and souvenirs on sale as well as many of Hemingway’s classic novels.

Only a brief walk away from the museum is the beautiful house where Hemingway was born back in 1899, and where he spent his early years. The grand Victorian style which characterises many of the homes in the neighbourhood is very much on show here in the house which was built by Hemingway’s grandparents and has been restored to its original condition. The house is in stark contrast to the early 20th century homes designed by another Oak Park local, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

At both buildings, you can enjoy a guided tour lasting one to two hours. Tours are given by Museum staff well versed in Hemingway’s life and work. Groups of more than ten people must book ahead online or by phone.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

FairBridge Inn Express Melrose Park
FairBridge Inn Express Melrose Park
3.5 out of 5
1900 North Mannheim Road, Melrose Park, IL
FairBridge Inn Express Melrose Park
Travel Inn
Travel Inn
2.5 out of 5
1150 Roosevelt Rd, Broadview, IL
Travel Inn
Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago/Rosemont/O'Hare/SE
Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago/Rosemont/O'Hare/SE
2 out of 5
3160 North River Road, River & Belmont, River Grove, IL
Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago/Rosemont/O'Hare/SE
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago West - O'Hare Arpt Area
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago West - O'Hare Arpt Area
2.5 out of 5
200 S Mannheim Road, Hillside, IL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago West - O'Hare Arpt Area
Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago Northlake O'Hare South
Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago Northlake O'Hare South
2 out of 5
2080 N Mannheim Rd, Northlake, IL
Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago Northlake O'Hare South
Regal Inn - Chicago O'Hare Airport
Regal Inn - Chicago O'Hare Airport
2 out of 5
2448 Mannheim Rd, Franklin Park, IL
Regal Inn - Chicago O'Hare Airport
Comfort Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport
Comfort Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport
3 out of 5
4200 North River Road, Schiller Park, IL
Comfort Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport
Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside
Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside
3 out of 5
4400 Frontage Road, Hillside, IL
Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside
Best Western Plus O'Hare International South Hotel
Best Western Plus O'Hare International South Hotel
2.5 out of 5
3001 N Mannheim Road, Franklin Park, IL
Best Western Plus O'Hare International South Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.