Ernest Hemingway Museum: A glimpse into greatness
Chicago has had many famous native sons, but few have proven as accomplished or interesting as famed writer Ernest Hemingway. In his hometown of west suburban Oak Park, a museum dedicated to his life and writings illustrates his remarkable achievements, and the troubles lying just beneath the surface of a great man.
Winner of the 1954 Nobel Prize and author of classic works including “A Farewell to Arms” and “The Old Man and the Sea,” Hemingway grew up in a strict yet loving Protestant household. He had a deep love of nature and travelled the world on grand adventures, but depression plagued him much of his life, and eventually resulted in his suicide in 1961.
Located inside the lovely neo-classical Arts Center of Oak Park, the Ernest Hemingway museum explores the first 20 years of Hemingway’s life, including his family history, education, upbringing, military experience and early works. The museum has been open to visitors since 1991, when the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park received collections of memorabilia from the family of Ernest’s oldest sister, Marcelline.
Host to permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum features rare photos and artifacts, such as Hemingway’s childhood diary, a letter from nurse Agnes von Kurowsky later portrayed in “A Farewell to Arms,” and even his personal senior yearbook.
Visitors can explore Hemingway’s experiences as a journalist in WWII, how his writing style was influenced by arts like painting and music, and even how his works translated to the silver screen. Collections also include thousands of photographs, pieces of clothing, accessories, furniture, artworks, books, correspondence and movie posters.
Though small in size, the museum is a fascinating glimpse into a life of true greatness. Hemingway buffs will love seeing the personal effects of the famous writer, and novices will leave with a greater appreciation of his talent and drive. The Hemingway museum demonstrates that the writer’s life was just as, if not more, remarkable than any of his great works of fiction.
Posted on May 17, 2011 by D.J. Siegel
