and the Beats go on...

The Literary and Cultural Legacy
of the Beat Generation

Jack Kerouac's iconic manuscript scroll of
On the Road is the centerpiece of a college-wide initiative investigating the disparate group of poets, artists, filmmakers and musicians known as the Beat Generation.

By presenting dozens of exhibitions and programs, Columbia College Chicago would like to remember and celebrate the Beat Generation and to capture the spirit of an important time in the history of American culture. For more information, click on the links to the right.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

Jack Kerouac: ON THE ROAD
October 3-November 26, 2008
Center for Book and Paper Arts
1104 South Wabash Avenue, 2nd Floor

The first draft of On the Road was produced by Jack Kerouac in a three-week writing marathon. Kerouac created a 120-foot-long...

This manuscript is on loan from the collection of James S. Irsay.
©Estate of Anthony G. Sampatacacus and the Estate of Jan Kerouac.

Photograph courtesy of Christie's, New York.