Discover the Obama Presidential Center: Join a free campus tour!
Community members are welcome to join us for free monthly public tours to see the campus come together
- The Center
- Community Engagement
- Chicago
The Obama Presidential Center is opening in spring 2026 - but you can get a sneak peek now! Join us for a free perimeter tour to see construction and learn more about this inspiring campus.
Tour Information
The tour: One-hour guided walking tours take you around the outside of the construction site. You'll learn about the Museum, Forum, and Chicago Public Library buildings, as well as the gardens and public spaces. Foundation staff will discuss the campus design and answer questions. Guests will not enter the construction site.
Location: Tours start near the corner of 60th Street and Stony Island Avenue (Opens in a new tab). Look for the sign-in table on the west side of Stony Island Avenue.
Registration: Registration encouraged at this link (Opens in a new tab), but not required. All are welcome!
Dates:
Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct.18 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Accessibility notes:
Guests will not be entering the construction site. The entirety of the tour will be outside the fence.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
There are no stairs.
The tour can be wheelchair accessible.
The tour can be stroller accessible.
The tour consists of walking and standing for several minutes at a time.
Construction is going on during the tours on the other side of a fence, so expect some loud noises and a little dust at times.
Hard hats are not necessary.
Tours are given in English for now.
Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Construction areas are fenced off, but the tour runs along busy streets. Adults should expect to be aware of, and hold children's hands.
Guests can bring their own drinks and snacks, but please use provided trash cans.
Shade is limited.
Other ways to connect
If you can't make an on-site tour, join us for a community outreach program.
77 Neighborhood Tour
Foundation staff are visiting Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, stopping at coffee shops, libraries, and other small businesses to share updates and answer questions. See when we’ll be in your neighborhood.
Virtual information sessions
Anyone in the world can join free monthly virtual sessions to learn more about the Center. Sign up today!
The Obama Presidential Center is a place for everyone, fostering community, learning, and engagement. We look forward to welcoming you!