Visit The Center

Campus Grounds Monday - Sunday 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Museum Monday 1-8 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Open and Free 

Explore Campus

The Obama Presidential Center is more than a landmark—it’s a new space of possibilities. Built on the South Side of Chicago where the Obamas’ journey began, this expansive campus features outdoor spaces, dining and shopping, world-class public art, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, and more. You don’t need a ticket to the Obama Presidential Center to find opportunities for creativity and fun.  

The Center, Your Way 

Designed to celebrate the power of ordinary people coming together to accomplish extraordinary things, the Center offers a dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor public spaces open to everyone without requiring a Museum ticket to enter. 


First Time

First Time Visitors

A must-see guide to experience at the Obama Presidential Center during your first visit.
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Short

Short Visit

1-3 Hours Get the highlights of the campus!
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Ultimate

The Ultimate All-Day Experience

5-8 Hour Spend all day exploring exciting activities and sites at the Center.
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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. 

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Plan Your Visit

  • Tours at the Center

    Take a deep dive into art, architecture, sustainability, and specific campus landmarks.

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  • Art on Campus

    Discover more than 25 brand-new art installations from creators across the globe. 

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  • Art on Campus

    Explore 28 commissioned public art installations across the Center, including Bending the Arc. Martin Puryear's monumental sculpture is inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. 

  • Art on Campus

    Explore 28 commissioned public art installations across the Center designed to encourage visitors to open their imaginations and reflect on their ability to bring change home. The Hope and Change Lobby features installations by artists Nick Cave, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Kiki Smith, and Marie Watt. 

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  • Art on Campus

    Explore 28 commissioned public art installations across the Center, including Seeing Through the Universe. Maya Lin’s new sculpture features a misting upright oculus and a flat “pebble” piece that fills with water and cascades over for the enjoyment of visitors.  

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  • Dining

    Nourish your soul (and stomach) with our dining options brought to you through a collaboration between Bon Appétit Management and Chicago’s own Chef Cliff Rome. 

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  • Shop

    Take home exclusive merchandise inspired by the city of Chicago, the Obamas’ legacy, and the Presidential Center campus. 

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October 14

Pre-Halloween Craft Day

Wed, Oct 14 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

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15

At Your Pace

Thu, Oct 15 9:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Home Court

Free

Count Me In
15
An archivist in a white lab coat and blue gloves shows an archival object to a smiling visitor wearing a maroon hoodie and orange durag.

Ask the Archivist

Thu, Oct 15 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

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15

Odyssey Day: the Cyclops, Circe and Penelope

Thu, Oct 15 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

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Full Event Calendar

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. 

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By providing a phone number, you confirm that you are an adult and consent to receive automated marketing and informational SMS messages from The Barack Obama Foundation at the phone number you provided. To learn more about how The Foundation would use your information, read the Foundation's Privacy Statement. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. You may opt out at any time by texting “STOP’ to (773) 915-0096. Consent is not a condition of purchase or service.
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

Join The Obama Foundation as a Founding Member and help fuel emerging leaders, community-driven solutions, and lasting change. Enjoy annual priority access to Museum tickets, invitations to exclusive virtual events, insider updates, and more.

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Stories from the Center

All The Center Stories
Ebony Wilkins, A Black woman with a dark skin tone and box braids, sits as she reads to a group of children with a range of light to dark skin tones at the Chicago Public Library Branch at the Obama Presidential Center.
  • Stories
  • Chicago
Local author brings Black storytelling home with a reading at the Obama Presidential Center's Chicago Public Library branch
Dr. Ebony Joy Wilkins captivated families with a reading of her latest picture book, “Zora, the Story Keeper,” bringing Black storytelling to the heart of the South Side.
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A shot of Purvis Funches, a Black man with a dark skin tone and low black hair, on one knee as he proposes to Vannessa Beene, a Black woman with a dark skin tone. She is wearing a blue dress.
  • Stories
  • Chicago
Love on the John Lewis Plaza
Obama Foundation staff member gets engaged in Jackson Park and celebrates the milestone at the Obama Presidential Center.
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A low selfie of Michele and Jonathan Sullen. Michele is a Black woman with a medium skin tone and shoulder length curly black hair. Jonathan has a light skin tone and cornrows. The sky is bright with clouds.
  • Stories
  • Chicago
Grand opening sweepstakes winner reflects on a historic day in Jackson Park
Chicago native Michele Sullen shares her reflections after winning tickets to the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony.
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All The Center Stories
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