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Visit The Center Starting June 19

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Opening June 19, 2026 Campus Grounds Monday - Sunday 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Museum Monday 1-8 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Campus

On a bright day, the Obama Presidential Center campus is seen facing south in Chicago in September 2025. The Columbia Basin, Wooded Island, Jackson Park Lagoon Loop is in the foreground and the Obama Presidential Center is in the background. (Credit: Angie McMongial)
Credit: Angie McMonigal

The Obama Presidential Center is more than a landmark—it’s a new space of possibilities. Built on the South Side where the Obamas’ journey began, this 19.3 acre campus was designed with you in mind. Find inspiration in a one-of-a-kind Museum, dive into a story at the public library, or hang with friends on the Great Lawn. From around the block to across the world, this is your home for hope and change. 

Museum

An image of the “Yes We Can” exhibit inside the Museum Building. The exhibit is a large circular structure with words that say “Yes We Can” in wooden letters. An exhibit screen is in the background.

The Obama Presidential Center Museum explores the promise and power of democracy through the legacy of President and Mrs. Obama. Journey through four levels of dynamic exhibits that tell the story of the First Family and the social movements that made their work possible. Exhibits include memorabilia from the Obamas’ time in the White House, stories of iconic moments from the President’s administration, and interactive activities for visitors of all ages and abilities. 

Community Activities
Music
Sports
Workshops
Talks
Exhibits
Tours
and much more
on campus

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June 19
A young boy wearing glasses and a baseball cap blows bubbles at an outdoor community event, framed by a blue graphic border.

Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (Fri.)

Fri, Jun 19 11:00am - 3:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

20
A young boy wearing glasses and a baseball cap blows bubbles at an outdoor community event, framed by a blue graphic border.

Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (Sat.)

Sat, Jun 20 10:00am - 5:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

21
A young boy wearing glasses and a baseball cap blows bubbles at an outdoor community event, framed by a blue graphic border.

Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (Sun.)

Sun, Jun 21 10:00am - 5:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

Count Me In
July 04
Children sit together outdoors at dusk, watching a performance with focused expressions as a crowd gathers behind them.

The People's Fourth

Sat, Jul 04 2:00pm - 7:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

07
Artist Mark Bradford sits in his studio surrounded by large, colorful abstract paintings.

Mark Bradford: Layers of America

Tue, Jul 07 6:30pm - 7:30pm Elie Wiesel Auditorium

$40

Get Tickets
10
DJ Lady D performs at a house music party

House Music on the Plaza

Fri, Jul 10 2:00pm - 4:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

12
An adult and 2 children planting seeds in a garden

Summer Garden Gathering (Jul 12)

Sun, Jul 12 1:00pm - 4:00pm Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Free

26
An adult and 2 children planting seeds in a garden

Summer Garden Gathering (Jul 26)

Sun, Jul 26 1:00pm - 4:00pm Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Free

Obama Foundation Leaders USA program participants, all have a range of ages, backgrounds, and light to dark skin tones, put their hands together for a cheer in front of the Obama Presidential Center campus during a South Side tour of Chicago on April 5, 2025.

Become a Founding Member

Make your recurring commitment to The Obama Foundation and fuel the next generation of leaders, strengthen community-driven solutions, and build a more inclusive future. As a Founding Member, you’ll enjoy early access to purchase museum tickets, exclusive virtual events, curated content, Shop discounts, and more. Join a community shaping what comes next—and be the first to experience. Explore Membership today.

Explore Membership today

Located in the Heart of the South Side of Chicago

Built on the South Side of Chicago, the Presidential Center celebrates the rich and diverse culture of the city. Walk around and explore artwork from local talent. Grab a bite to eat from Chicago native Chef Cliff Rome. Get to know long-time Woodlawn residents as you sit in the John Lewis Plaza. The Center celebrates those who were made by Chicago, raised in Chicago, and continue to invest in the future of our great city. 

An aerial view of the South Side of Chicago on a snowy day. The image features the entirety of the Obama Presidential Center campus.
Credit: Angie McMongial

Stories of the Center

All The Center Stories
A closeup of Julie Mehretu’s glass installation, “Uprising of the Sun.”
Take a look at more than 20 original art installations located across our 19 acre campus.
Learn more
June 20 image
From our next door neighbors to our community online, we invite you to celebrate through a host of events designed to inspire action.
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Discover the story behind the words etched on the Obama Presidential Museum Building.
Learn more

Donate
Today

We need your help to turn hope into action—to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

Visit
  • 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
  • 1-(773)-900-0044
  • The Museum

    The Obama Presidential Center Museum is a world-class landmark that tells the story of our democracy through the lens of America’s first Black president and First Lady. Dynamic exhibits across four floors will highlight the events, policies, challenges, and accomplishments of the Obama presidency. The Museum is comprised of four levels of exhibitions and the Sky Room, a 5,000 square foot space that offers soul-stirring perspective and panoramic views of Chicago. Entry to the Museum is by time-ticket or event participation. Monday | 1 - 8 p.m. CTTuesday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT

  • Forum Building

    The Forum Building is a vibrant community center that celebrates creativity and innovation. The Forum’s two levels are brought to life through power performances at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, creative forms of expression in the Media Suite, and collaborative thinking in the Democracy in Action Labs. The Forum also features the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, Tafari’s Kitchen, our Cafe, two courtyards, and one-of-kind pieces of art by Theaster Gates, Spencer Finch, and Tyanna Buie. Monday | 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Home Court

    Home Court is a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events space designed to strengthen the entire community and motivate people of all ages. Home Court offers programs inspired by President Obama's belief in the power of sports, mentorship, and connection. The two level space includes an NBA-sized regulation basketball court, seven flexible multipurpose rooms, two outdoor courtyards, and several multi-level seating areas for visitors.Monday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. CT

  • Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

    Libraries are the beating heart of a strong democratic culture. Here we welcome local residents, scholars, and visitors from around the world to connect, reflect, and act. The Obama Presidential Center campus features a new branch of the Chicago Public Library that celebrates the rich history of Chicago’s public libraries and the powerful legacy of the Obamas. The Library Branch includes a YOUMedia Suite, a City Maker’s Space, a Children’s Area, and the exclusive President’s Reading Room, a collection of written works that reflect the interests, histories, and readings of President and Mrs. Obama.Mon & Wed12 - 8 p.m. CTTues & Thur10 a.m. - 6 p.m. CTFri & Sat9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CTSun1 -5 p.m. CT

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Read more  about our tax-exempt status.

© 2026 The Barack Obama Foundation.