Skip to content

Town Hall Europe

President Barack Obama and Angela Merkel sit in black chairs with flags representing different countries behind them. There is also a large monument with columns and green horses in the background.

In April 2019, President Obama joined hundreds of emerging European leaders in Berlin for a town hall conversation to discuss the future of Europe and the importance of leadership in creating lasting change across the region. These conversations laid the groundwork for our Leaders: Europe program.

Highlights from Town Hall Europe

Highlights from the town hall

The Future of International Programming at the Obama Foundation

Rooted in President Obama’s belief that in order to help young people we have to listen deeply to what their needs are, chief international officer Bernadette Meehan shares how the information gleaned from a round table conversation with dozens of European leaders will inform future Obama Foundation programming in the region.

Obama Foundation Town Hall Europe

Watch the full town hall with President Obama.

The sun hits Nima Tisdall’s face as she sits on a dock.

A Day in the Life: Nima Tisdall

Nima Tisdall teamed up with business partner Christine Hebert to co-found Blue Lobster, a tech startup that allows local fishermen to sell directly to consumers and businesses in Denmark.  See how their app is making it easier and more affordable to buy sustainably caught seafood +

A young, white person with brown hair stands with one hand on their hip and one hand on a chair. They appear to be in a gray room with a white board with red lettering on the back wall.

A Day in the Life: Philipp von der Wippel

Philipp von der Wippel realized early that powerful things could happen if young people were involved in finding solutions to pressing issues.  See how he’s empowering leaders to transform their ideas into action +

Meet Aminata Touré

Aminata Touré decided to run for office at the age of 23 after noticing that she had nothing in common with the politicians who were making decisions that would directly impact her. As the youngest female member of Parliament in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, she is committed to ensuring women, young people, and minorities have a seat at the table.

There's a new generation of young people… driven by your idealism and your imagination, and you're working together to start new ventures, and to hold governments more accountable, and advance human dignity.”

President Obama, 2016, Address to the People of Europe In Hannover, Germany

President Obama’s Travel to Europe

In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in the Spring of 2017, President Obama and Chancellor Merkel joined four young leaders for a conversation about civic engagement at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.  Read more about the event +

President Barack Obama and Angela Merkel sit in black chairs with flags representing different countries behind them. There is also a large monument with columns and green horses in the background.

See more of President Obama’s travel across Europe:

President Obama Sits Down with 11 Emerging Leaders from Across Europe - 2018

Get a glimpse into the hour President Obama spent with eleven civil servants and organizers, hearing from them about the challenges young people are facing in Europe and how the Obama Foundation can help them scale their efforts.

President Obama's Message to Young Leaders in Berlin - 2017

Set against the backdrop of Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, President Obama joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel and four young leaders for a conversation on the topic of “Being Involved in Democracy: Taking on Responsibility Locally and Globally.” Ma

President Obama Visits Berlin – 2017

Set against the backdrop of Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, President Obama joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel and four young leaders for a conversation on the topic of “Being Involved in Democracy: Taking on Responsibility Locally and Globally.” Ma

Donate

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.