The Marion E. Wade Center’s new building opened in 2001, and is located on the northwest corner of Wheaton College’s campus, at 351 E. Lincoln Ave. in Wheaton, IL 60187.
The Wade's English Garden is a charming place to sit or stroll in the summer months.
The Wade Center hosts many school groups for museum tours and presentations about the seven Wade authors. These students are examining the former exhibit “Illustrators of The Lord of the Rings,” which was on display in the Wade museum from 2001 to 2006.
The Wade Center houses numerous artifacts related to the seven authors. C.S. Lewis and his brother Warnie once played in this wardrobe, which was hand-carved by their grandfather. The brothers later transported the family heirloom from their childhood home in Ireland to the Kilns, their home near Oxford, England.
The permanent “Children’s Corner” exhibit includes the original painting of the Narnia map by Pauline Baynes.
This former Wade display highlighted Scottish author George MacDonald, whose works were influential on C.S. Lewis’s thought. In the foreground is a bust of C.S. Lewis by Lawrence Reid Bechtel.
The museum also has a display describing the Wade Center’s founding by Dr. Clyde S. Kilby and other highlights in the Center’s history, as well as the life story of its benefactor, Mr. Marion E. Wade.
The Kilby Reading Room is named in honor of Clyde and Martha Kilby. Guests of high school age and above are welcome to register at the Reading Room desk and make use of our books, papers, and other resources in this quiet study area.
The reading room’s study tables are comfortable and spacious.
The far end of the reading room is suitable for leisurely reading. During the winter months, a fire provides warmth and ambience.
We hope you enjoyed this short glimpse of the Wade Center, and invite you to visit us in person.