Obama Presidential Center construction update November 2025
Take a sneak peek into the exciting work happening on the Presidential Center campus.
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As we approach the end of 2025, the Obama Presidential Center Team has made some big strides on constructing the campus including the nearly complete Home Court. Take a look at some of the recent developments in Jackson Park!
The Obama Presidential Center Museum


At the Museum Building, crews are preparing support structures ahead of the installation of screen text taken from President Obama’s speech “You Are America,” which marked the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches.
The Forum Building
Spencer Finch – one of several commissioned artists for the Obama Presidential Center campus – was onsite for the installation of his tile artwork, “To Disappear Enhances – (Memory Landscapes)” on the lower level of the Forum Building. Drawing on inspiration from President Obama’s autobiography “Dreams from My Father,” The tile wall mural installation evokes memories of places from the President’s formative years, including Honolulu, Jakarta, Chicago, and Nairobi. The colors for each location were personally selected by President Obama.


Wood panel installation on the Elie Wiesel Auditorium is nearly complete. The 299-capacity auditorium features a rounded stage encircled by seating.
Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center


Construction on Home Court is nearly complete. It includes an NBA regulation-sized gymnasium entitled Main Court. On the basketball court, iconic phrases from the President are emblazoned on the floor.
The Playground


On the lower level (left) of the Playground, lagoon-inspired elements such as a dragonfly, lotus flowers, and willows have been installed. On the upper level of the Playground, construction crews are installing a purple climbing wall (right.)
Outdoor Spaces


Concrete and landscape preparation continue on the far north end of the campus (left.) Part of this concrete work will form an accessible circular path around the historic Women’s Garden. The first slab of concrete has also been poured in the Ann Dunham Water Terrace (right.) The stunning oasis, honoring the life of President Obama’s mother, will feature stone seating and a water installation by famed artist, Maya Lin.
This is a sneak peek into what’s happening across the campus today. Keep an eye out for more updates as we build the Obama Presidential Center!

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