The Marion E. Wade Center - Museum in Wheaton - 351 E Lincoln Ave, USA

I had such a delightful visit! When my friends suggested I check this place out, I had no idea what an amazing place it was. The most exciting things to see at the Marion E. Wade Center are the writing desks of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien and the wardrobe that Lewis and his brother played in as children. Yes, this is the wardrobe that inspired the magic one in the Chronicles of Narnia. The center has other lovely displays on the works of Tolkien and Lewis and other writers who influenced Lewis's life. It's not large or extensive, but it is worth the stop. You can just come in and look around, or you schedule a tour. I hear there is also a sort of scavenger hunt activity where you are given a sheet of things to find in the displays. Another main feature of the center is the library. It is the perfect place for anyone doing research and writing on these great authors.

A small museum and a large library dedicated to C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and five of their Inkling colleagues and influences. Well worth the time.

What a place! Come see the desk that Tolkien wrote The Hobbit on and the wardrobe the inspired Lewis's way into Narnia. Included are a few wonderful displays about the Inkling authors. The garden is also worth the visit.

An astonishing treasure and a wealth of scholarship in those curating and running the center. We were immediately offered a tour as we entered, and heard fascinating information as we enjoyed the exhibits. I believe anyone with a literary bend will enjoy a visit, especially of course those who enjoy Lewis, Tolkien, Chesterton, MacDonald, Sayers. The reading room was a complete surprise--a marvelous collection in a beautiful, quiet atmosphere. Note they are open midday hours Mon-Fri (only a couple of Saturdays a year). While you don't need tickets in advance, the staff is very interested in helping you and I recommend reaching out in advance via their website to describe your plans.

I visited while at college in 1976, and the featured authors' displayed biographies were fascinating. Since that time, I moved to England, read the "Narnia" series with my daughter, and I watched many biographies, novelizations, "Shadowlands" and "The Lord of the Ring" trilogy. I visited again last week whilst visiting Wheaton. The Wade Center has at least doubled in size, and it contains JRR Tolkien's "Hobbit" desk, and CS Lewis's desk plus the carved wardrobe that inspired the first "Narnia" book. I am truly grateful for the enlightening time that I spent at the Wade Center.

Wade Center is for anyone who appreciates the authors Tolkein, Lewis, Chesterton, MacDonald, Sayers, Barfield and Williams. It is an amazing repository of literature and wonderful artifacts. It is appropriate for all ages.

Absolutely amazing collection of CS Lewis items, artifacts, and personal possesions! The Wade Center has the best library of Lewis' personal books, many with notes and commentary in his own hand, extant. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. What a treasure!

One of the rare gems for scholars and Inklings lovers. Houses the Wardrobe which C. S. Lewis had in mind for his book as well as many other notable items belonging to Tolkien like his writing desk and his pipe. Their archives and lectures are exquisite