Gwendolyn Brooks House: A Literary Landmark

Visit the historic Chicago home of Gwendolyn Brooks, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and voice of the African American experience on the South Side.

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Gwendolyn Brooks House

The Gwendolyn Brooks House, located at 7428 S Evans Ave in Chicago, Illinois, was the home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet from 1953 to 1994. Today, the house stands as a testament to her legacy and contributions to American literature.

A brief summary to Gwendolyn Brooks House

7428 S Evans Ave, Chicago, South Side, Illinois, 60619, US
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Local tips

Visit during daylight hours for the best photo opportunities and to appreciate the neighborhood's charm.
Consider engaging with local guides or literature enthusiasts to gain deeper insights into Brooks' influence and the area's history.
Reflect on the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement and the role of literature in advocating for social change.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach the Gwendolyn Brooks House via public transportation, several options are available. From downtown Chicago, you can take the Red Line 'L' train to 79th Street. From there, transfer to the #79 bus eastbound. Get off at the intersection of 79th Street and South Evans Avenue. Walk south on Evans Avenue for a short distance to 7428 S Evans Ave. Alternatively, you can take the Metra Electric Line from downtown Chicago's Union Station to the 75th Street station. From there, you can take a taxi or rideshare, or walk about 1 mile south on South Chicago Avenue to reach the house. A single ride on the 'L' train costs $2.50, and a single ride on the bus costs $2.25. Transfers between buses and trains are free for up to two additional rides within 2 hours. A 1-day CTA pass, which includes both 'L' trains and buses, costs $5.
Walking

If you are already in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, walking to the Gwendolyn Brooks House is a viable option. From the intersection of 75th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, walk north on Cottage Grove Avenue to 74th Street. Turn right onto 74th Street and walk east to Evans Avenue. Turn left onto Evans Avenue and walk north to 7428 S Evans Ave. The walk is approximately 0.6 miles and should take about 12 minutes. Be mindful of street signs and pedestrian crossings. There are no costs associated with walking.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. From downtown Chicago, a taxi or ride-share to the Gwendolyn Brooks House will cost approximately $20-$30, depending on traffic and surge pricing. The trip will take about 20-30 minutes. Simply provide the address, 7428 S Evans Ave, Chicago, IL 60619, to the driver. Note that prices may be higher during peak hours or special events.

Discover more about Gwendolyn Brooks House

Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, the Gwendolyn Brooks House stands as a symbol of literary achievement and cultural pride. From 1953 to 1994, this unassuming house at 7428 S Evans Ave was home to Gwendolyn Brooks, a prolific author, poet, and teacher. Brooks was a dominant figure in 20th-century American poetry and a leading force in the Chicago Black Renaissance literary movement. Literary critics regard her as one of the United States' most significant poets. Born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1917, Brooks moved to Chicago shortly after her birth and remained a proud Chicagoan throughout her life. Her work often reflected the experiences of African Americans on Chicago's South Side, addressing themes of identity, race, and community. Brooks's first collection of poems, *A Street in Bronzeville*, was published in 1945. In 1950, she made history as the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, for her second collection, *Annie Allen*. She was also named Poet Laureate of the State of Illinois in 1985. Despite her literary success, Brooks faced hardships, including housing discrimination and financial struggles. She purchased the house on South Evans Avenue in 1953 with profits from a previous home sale. Within its walls, she wrote some of her most notable works, including *In the Mecca* and *The Bean Eaters*. The house provided a stark contrast to the cramped kitchenette buildings she had lived in earlier in her life. In 2010, ten years after her death in 2000, the Gwendolyn Brooks House was designated a Chicago landmark, ensuring its symbolic recognition and protection. While the house is a private residence and not open for interior tours, visitors can still appreciate its significance as a symbol of literary achievement and cultural pride. The surrounding neighborhood, with its vibrant community spirit and historical significance, adds to the experience.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Gwendolyn Brooks House

0.0 km

Explore the legacy of acclaimed poet Gwendolyn Brooks at her historic home in Chicago's South Side, celebrating African American literature and culture.

Oak Woods Cemetery

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Explore Chicago's history at Oak Woods Cemetery, final resting place of notable figures and site of the Confederate Mound.

Al Capone's Chicago Manor

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Explore the hauntingly beautiful Al Capone's Chicago Manor, a historical landmark woven into the fabric of Chicago's Prohibition-era narrative.

Emmett & Mamie Till-Mobley House Museum

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Explore the preserved home of Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley in Chicago, a landmark of Civil Rights history and a testament to their enduring legacy.

Lorraine Hansberry House

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Discover the Lorraine Hansberry House, a historic landmark in Chicago celebrating the life and legacy of a pioneering playwright and advocate for social justice.

Taft House

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Explore Chicago's architectural heritage at the historic Taft House in Woodlawn.

The Original Ferris Wheel

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Explore the site of the original Ferris Wheel, a landmark of innovation from Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.

Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

3.3 km

Discover the architectural beauty and cultural significance of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Chicago's Hyde Park, a historical landmark and vibrant performing arts venue.

Mitchell Tower

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A stunning Gothic tower at the University of Chicago, Mitchell Tower embodies the institution's rich history and architectural beauty in Hyde Park.

South Shore Cultural Center

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Experience the vibrant arts and culture of Chicago at the historic South Shore Cultural Center, a hub for artistic expression and community engagement.

Robert A. Millikan House

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Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of the Robert A. Millikan House in Hyde Park, Chicago's cultural gem.

Obama Kissing Rock

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Immerse yourself in the love story of Barack and Michelle Obama at Obama Kissing Rock, a charming historical landmark in Hyde Park, Chicago.

Promontory Point National Register of Historic Places Marker

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Explore Promontory Point in Chicago: A historical landmark perfect for relaxation and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Promontory Point National Register of Historic Places Marker

Isidore H. Heller House - Frank Lloyd Wright

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Discover the architectural brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright at the Isidore H. Heller House in Chicago's historic Hyde Park, a true gem of American design.

Isidore H. Heller House - Frank Lloyd Wright

Promontory Point

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Escape to Promontory Point in Chicago's Burnham Park for stunning skyline views, lakeside relaxation, and unique fire pits.

Unmissable attractions to see

Midway Plaisance Park

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Explore the lush landscapes and cultural heritage of Midway Plaisance Park, a serene urban escape in Chicago's Hyde Park.

Jackson (Andrew) Park

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Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Jackson Park, an expansive urban oasis in Chicago's South Side, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum

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Explore the rich heritage of ancient civilizations at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum in Chicago's Hyde Park.

The University of Chicago

3.5 km

Experience the architectural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant academic life at The University of Chicago, a must-visit destination in Hyde Park.

Frederick C. Robie House

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Discover the iconic Frederick C. Robie House, a masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture in Chicago's Hyde Park, blending art and nature seamlessly.

Garden of the Phoenix

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Experience tranquility at the Garden of the Phoenix, a serene Japanese garden in Chicago's South Side with stunning landscapes and cultural beauty.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

3.6 km

Explore African American history and culture at the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago, a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Nuclear Energy Sculpture

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Explore the Nuclear Energy Sculpture in Hyde Park, Chicago, where art meets science in a stunning visual statement.

Smart Museum of Art

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Explore a diverse collection of art spanning centuries at the Smart Museum of Art in Chicago's Hyde Park, a cultural gem offering free admission.

Washington Park

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Discover the serene beauty of Washington Park in Chicago, where nature, history, and recreation come together for an unforgettable experience.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

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Experience authentic Japanese ramen at Wu's Ramen Oak Lawn - where rich flavors meet fresh ingredients in every delicious bowl.

Explore the vibrant thrift store, 2nd is the NEW 1st, in Oak Lawn, Illinois, for unique finds and unbeatable prices on clothing, home goods, and more.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Best Bar

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Just My Luck Bar and Grill

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Discover Just My Luck Bar and Grill: A lively Oak Lawn hotspot for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and vibrant entertainment in a welcoming atmosphere.

Murphy's Law Bar & Grill

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Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Murphy's Law Bar & Grill in Oak Lawn, Illinois, where great food and drinks meet lively entertainment.

Hot Corner

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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Hot Corner, a lively bar in Oak Lawn, Illinois, perfect for tourists seeking fun and affordable drinks.

Kasey's Tavern

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Discover Kasey's Tavern, a beloved pub in Chicago's South Loop, offering delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a wide selection of drinks.

St. James Place

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Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse drink selection at St. James Place, the perfect bar for tourists in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

PD's Place

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Discover the lively ambiance of PD's Place, a premier sports bar in Oak Lawn, Illinois, perfect for enjoying games, darts, and delicious food.

Panchos Rooftop Cantina

13.2 km

Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine and stunning skyline views at Panchos Rooftop Cantina in the heart of Chicago.

2Twenty2 Tavern

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Experience Chicago's nightlife at 2Twenty2 Tavern, a lively bar offering craft beers, cocktails, and delicious cuisine in the heart of the Loop.

Homestead Barr

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Discover the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Homestead Barr in Oak Lawn, where great drinks and good company await you.

Demma's Bar & Grill

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Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious menu at Demma's Bar & Grill in Oak Lawn, the perfect spot for food lovers and fun seekers.

Vol. 39

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Discover the sophistication of Vol. 39 in Chicago, where exquisite cocktails and an elegant atmosphere await your next visit.

The Game Room

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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Chicago at The Game Room, where great drinks and games create unforgettable moments.

Cindy's Rooftop

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Experience breathtaking views and exquisite dining at Cindy's Rooftop, a premier bar and restaurant in the heart of Chicago's Loop.

Drawing Room

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Discover chic elegance at The Drawing Room, Chicago's premier lounge for American cuisine and signature cocktails.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Gwendolyn Brooks House with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Gwendolyn Brooks House: A Literary Landmark

A brief summary to Gwendolyn Brooks House

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-share

Unlock the Best of Gwendolyn Brooks House

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Gwendolyn Brooks House

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Gwendolyn Brooks House

Oak Woods Cemetery

Al Capone's Chicago Manor

Emmett & Mamie Till-Mobley House Museum

Lorraine Hansberry House

Taft House

The Original Ferris Wheel

Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

Mitchell Tower

South Shore Cultural Center

Robert A. Millikan House

Obama Kissing Rock

Promontory Point National Register of Historic Places Marker

Isidore H. Heller House - Frank Lloyd Wright

Promontory Point

Unmissable attractions to see

Midway Plaisance Park

Jackson (Andrew) Park

Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum

The University of Chicago

Frederick C. Robie House

Garden of the Phoenix

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Nuclear Energy Sculpture

Smart Museum of Art

Washington Park

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Essential places to dine

LongHorn Steakhouse

Portillo's Oak Lawn

Black Oak Tavern

Naf Naf Grill

Petey's Bungalow Restaurant and Lounge

Farmer's Fridge

Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

S.K.Y.

South Side Social

Whitney's

Flap Jacks of Oak Lawn

Fox's Restaurant & Pub

Jedi's Restaurant and Grill

Wu's Ramen Oak Lawn

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Museum Shop (The Suq)

Gifts R Us

Amazon Fresh

Oak Lawn Commons

Loris Gifts

Fairplay Foods

Five Star Furniture Inc

Smoker Haven

M&Models

Green Oak Shopping Center

The Sue Store

Marshalls

Men's Wearhouse

Discount Rugs and Furniture

2nd is the NEW 1st

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Best Bar

Just My Luck Bar and Grill

Murphy's Law Bar & Grill

Hot Corner

Kasey's Tavern

St. James Place

PD's Place