Marion E. Wade Center Museum

The Marion E. Wade Center museum features memorabilia and rotating displays with selections from our collection of books, letters, manuscripts, and artifacts. Through these exhibits we invite our visitors to explore more deeply the seven authors' lives, writings, and the historical context in which they lived.

General Information

There is no fee to visit the Wade Center. Information about Directions and Parking is available, and check our Hours page for opening times and closures. To make reservations please complete our Museum and Bookshop Visit Form. If you would like to spend time in the Kilby Reading Room during your visit, please contact the Wade Center in advance.

Group Visits

For groups of 10 or more people, including school groups, the Wade Center does offer various programs. Please complete our Museum and Bookshop Visit Form 3 weeks prior to your desired visit date to give advanced notice to the Wade Center. See our Visiting Groups page for more details. Groups of 20 or more should let the Wade Center know in advance of your arrival, even if you are not requesting a tour or programming.

Permanent Museum Features

• A wardrobe owned by C.S. Lewis
• Desks and pens belonging to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
• Bookshelves from Charles Williams
• Eyeglasses of Dorothy L. Sayers
• Owen Barfield's chess set and pipe

Current Exhibits

• "Judging a Book by its Cover" (featuring book covers of works by our authors over the decades)    
• "The Canterbury Festival Plays"
• "The Wade Authors: Their Reflections on Each Other"
• "C.S. Lewis's 'Tales of Adventure'"
• "The Wonders of Creation: Learning Stewardship from Narnia and Middle-earth"
• "Middle-earth in Merchandise"