Poetry Foundation

Cultural center · Near North Side

Poetry Foundation

Cultural center · Near North Side

4

61 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654

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Poetry Foundation by Alan Scott Walker/CC BY-SA 3.0
Poetry Foundation by Alan Scott Walker/CC BY-SA 3.0
Poetry Foundation by Payton Chung/CC BY 2.0
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Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null
Poetry Foundation by null

Highlights

Sleek Chicago oasis with 30,000 poetry volumes, a reading room, garden, and free mags—perfect for book lovers and dreamers alike.  

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61 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654 Get directions

poetryfoundation.org
@poetryfoundation

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61 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654 Get directions

+1 312 787 7070
poetryfoundation.org
@poetryfoundation

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Jul 30, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Poetry Foundation

"Channel your inner bard and head to the Poetry Foundation! The beautiful, sustainable building is the first space in Chicago solely dedicated to the art of poetry. Get lost in over 30,000 volumes of soliloquies, sonnets, and ballads. Whether you are a Shakespeare devotee or looking for a poetic date spot, The Poetry Foundation is the perfect destination." - One Design Company

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/river-north/poetry-foundation
View Postcard for Poetry Foundation
@onthegrid

On the Grid : Poetry Foundation

"Channel your inner bard and head to the Poetry Foundation! The beautiful, sustainable building is the first space in Chicago solely dedicated to the art of poetry. Get lost in over 30,000 volumes of soliloquies, sonnets, and ballads. Whether you are a Shakespeare devotee or looking for a poetic date spot, The Poetry Foundation is the perfect destination." - One Design Company

https://onthegrid.city/chicago/river-north/poetry-foundation
View Postcard for Poetry Foundation
@atlasobscura

14 Surprisingly Romantic Places in Chicago

"There’s only a handful of poetry libraries in the world, and the Poetry Foundation’s sprawling 30,000-volume library in Chicago is one of the most impressive collections. It’s also the only library solely dedicated to poetry in the Midwest. The Poetry Foundation has been promoting and preserving poetry since 1912. Since its first issue came out that year, the independent literary organization has amassed an impressive collection of books sent in for review, editorial needs, and plenty of other reasons. Those piles of review copies inspired the library, which opened its doors in 2011. Now visitors to the foundation headquarters can explore an endless array of modern and contemporary poetry anthologies, journals, limited editions, chapbooks, criticism, and prose works written by poets. There’s a reading room, listening booths for audio recordings of poets like Gwendolyn Brooks and E.E. Cummings, and a children’s section 3,000 books strong. Many of the library’s books are inscribed by their authors. Keep an eye out for a few gems in particular: a copy of Langston Hughes’ The Dream Keeper inscribed to Harriet Monroe, and John Brooks’ pirated edition of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Queen Mab.”" - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/things-to-do-valentines-day-chicago
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@onthegrid

"Poetry Foundation, River North. Channel your inner bard and head to the Poetry Foundation! The beautiful, sustainable building is the first space in Chicago solely dedicated to the art of poetry. Get lost in over 30,000 volumes of soliloquies, sonnets, and ballads. Whether you are a Shakespeare devotee or looking for a poetic date spot, The Poetry Foundation is the perfect destination."

Chicago
View Postcard for Poetry Foundation

Ashleigh Mavros

Google
Popped in to see the free exhibit. The architecture and courtyard of the building was beautiful. While quaint, I really enjoyed perusing the current exhibit! Would love to come back and read or work from the courtyard.

Margarita Fedorova

Google
A small gem that feels like an oasis for creativity on the near north side. They have great rotating exhibits. Also there is a library where you can study and read poetry books.

Michelle Shaffner

Google
This is a beautiful building with nothing but poetry—a fantastic use of space! It was great to sit and read in the quiet & also to get complimentary Poetry magazines. It’s lovely to have a brick and mortar space dedicated to beautiful words!

hardian prabowo

Google
This is a great place to read books and search some inspiration - such a cozy place! For sure, I will be back here.

Elisabet MJ

Google
beautiful building, open to public. front desk staff (not the book staff) was not that welcoming. mezzanine is opened for access, but not the 2nd floor. such a shame.

Matthew McKibben

Google
Great experience. Make sure you bring your Covid-19 vaccination 💉 card, ID, and mask.

Paul

Google
Beautiful minimalist quiet space with a small rotating exhibition on new poetry, as well as a hefty library of poetry that can be enjoyed in a small reading room.

Maria

Google
Beautiful building!
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Demi A.

Yelp
This place is amazing. The building is incredible. It's a modern-inspired, L shape... that includes a garden upon entering. This is the first space in Chicago dedicated solely to the art of poetry. They host a 30,000 volume poetry library and an exhibition gallery. It's free to enter, and you'll have the opportunity to read as much as you can - for as long as you'd like (within their hours of course). The collection in here is massive - I held published articles and books that I have never had access to before. I was very impressed by this space and learned that Harriet Monroe's dream was to help poets pursue their art, so they essentially are carrying out her mission with this foundation. It was truly inspiring to see literature/poetry being celebrated this way. If you are a writer, someone who enjoys poetry, or even can appreciate beautiful architecture - visit!

Jude P.

Yelp
It was great I went by myself and spent about 2 hours there. You are not allowed to bring food or drink into the library but they have nice outdoor seating for while you finish your drink. Everyone there was super nice and they had amazing poems and a great small exhibition 5/5 all day
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Tom V.

Yelp
i do this every day time set aside to absorb words of byron, whitman, plath, keats wait, no i don't and that is why this hour passed seated by my love in a cathedral of language far removed from a classroom or mandatory enjoyment has felt sweeter than a thousand laughs woven together
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Shanti N.

Yelp
Poetry can be intimidating. Some poems are difficult to read or have been overanalyzed in a classroom until the life is sucked out of them. With the benefit of age, and some distance from the classroom, I can appreciate that poetic elements are everywhere, from song lyrics to a catchy commercial jingle that becomes a complete earworm. Still, I was hesitant to venture into the Poetry Foundation. I was aware of the location and had admired the sleek, elegant yet restrained design of the building's exterior. I had even seen listings about some of the free programming and exhibits, but somehow felt that this wasn't for me, as I still consider myself one who doesn't "get" poetry--this despite the fact that I am a voracious reader. My experience here yesterday was pleasant and helped dispel some of my trepidation. The building's enclosed courtyard, filled with trees a few tables and chairs, is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding River North street life. Even though there was a private event going on inside the building, I was able to take in a fair amount of the first floor space. The poems affixed to the wall near the information desk were interesting to look at--a few were even typed in Japanese characters, which was cool to see. Another highlight was the Poetry Library. I sat for a couple of minutes reading (confession: it was a prose book, on a Kindle) and looking at the shelves lined with poetry volumes. I looked on the Poetry Foundation's website and it looks like they offer a number of public programs and events. I will definitely be back here to check out some of the happenings of interest.
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Leyla A.

Yelp
I want to make love on the tables here and let the books open themselves up and write down my screams of passion as I stare out the floor to ceiling glass windows and remember the time you refused to come with me. Come.
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David H.

Yelp
Poetry may be one of the leading publishers of poetry, but their customer service is absolutely horrible if an issue arises. I had missed the last 3 issues after being told by Kelsey Davis that, "Our records show that we received your order on May 24th for 11 issues at $22.00. Your new expiration date is July/August 2022." The the same person tells me that my payment didn't go through nearly 5 months later! No communication from Poetry and Kelsey had a bit of an attitude on her in my subsequent communications. In turn, keep your magazine and your entitled, arrogant customer service rep in Kelsey Davis. Better keep this job because I'm quite certain you wouldn't be able to find employment elsewhere. I'm over it. Bye!!
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Weisun C.

Yelp
With the jam-packed crowd at their recent open house, I can't believe I'm just the second person to review this beautiful space dedicated to the appreciation of poems and poetry authorship. The magazine, which is the iconic pillar of the foundation, began in Chicago in the past century and has never strayed away. It was through a lifelong devotion to poetry by Ruth Lilly, heiress to the pharmaceutical fortune, that this building and many of its fellowships for poets came to be. The building may appear to adhere to the "International Style" of metal curtain wall construction made famous by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe and his many adherents, but a closer inspection of the design by John Ronan Architects reveals more contemporary attention to details of functional use of space and efficient energy consumption. The building comes right up to the edge of the sidewalk, but its entrance and small green space is an oasis hidden from a casual stroller or driver. More at: http://tinyurl.com/3qb24jw Once inside, there are the ground level public spaces (a reception lobby and an auditorium), which includes the first level of the unique poetry library (see my photos here). The second level of the library is a catwalk-like balcony that is at mezzanine level (which is also the level at which an adjacent reception area for the offices is situated at). The foundation offices are on the second floor. The open house crowd fully occupied the entire ground floor, the entrance "garden," and occasionally the library's mezzanine balcony. It was a lovely and civilized venue for such a large gathering. But I'll have to visit again without the crowd. I think I saw a volume in the library I'd like to peruse minus the noise of folks noshing, imbibing, chatting, murmuring, and having their fortune read (see my photo here).
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S L.

Yelp
The Poetry Foundation is pivotal in promoting poetry, educating the public about poetry and supporting poets.
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Adrienne G.

Yelp
I love the Poetry Foundation! From live readings to panel discussions with poets and musicians like Mark Strand and Renee Fleming, the foundation (which also publishes Poetry Magazine) has a variety of high caliber events. I've seen a play here on Paul Robeson written by a local Chicagoan and also attended a number of readings. Also do check out their website because you can download some walking tours and learn a little bit about poetry in Chicago while sauntering throughout the city. They have a phenomenal, contemporary space and a great library (although I wish they had longer hours!) to read some of the world's best works.The building would also be good spot for a private event.
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Paul W.

Yelp
A spectacular building in many ways. It adds charm to the neighborhood. The foundation includes ample space for lectures, readings, and events. The library is beautiful and inviting, too. I'll look forward to visiting again.

V G.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I live literally one block away from the Poetry Foundation. It adds a lovely and interesting character to the neighborhood. We've attended events there. Anyway, he had a day off from work and felt like spending a couple of hours doing personal research at the Poetry Foundation's library. You know, instead of a Starbucks or our living room. Well, apparently that isn't allowed. Someone named "Maggie" kicked him out because he was "obviously studying and not reading poetry". It's almost funny. Abandon hope all ye who enter the Poetry Foundation library without any poetic intentions. Maggie can read your mind. She knows the difference between a loafing, good-for-nothing Engineer and a real, honest-to-god poet in her midst. Unwelcoming and a bit elitist, isn't it though?
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Alex L.

Yelp
I was a huge fan of the Poetry Foundation before visiting-- as a teacher I had used their resources (they have a fantastic app) and I get their daily emails. Going into this place is like a dream realized- it's sleek lines, two stories of poetry, and knowledgeable staff, all contributed to a great afternoon! It's a bit awkward when you first walk up to the building-- I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be there or not for the first minute, but then someone came up to me and explained the library set up and space. It's so beautiful, and for a poetry geek, it's a great way to get lost for a few hours.
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Bridgett J.

Yelp
This was my first time visiting the Poetry Foundation. I had a really nice time. The building is very elegantly designed. There is adequate parking as well.