Opening the Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony will be held on June 18, 2026. This event will serve as a celebration to mark the campus’s official opening. The invite-only event will be livestreamed for all to enjoy. 

The public will be able to start visiting the campus and Museum on June 19, 2026. Sign up to be the first to know when tickets to the Museum go on sale and to learn more about Grand Opening events. 

Obama Presidential Center Opening Weekend festivities will take place June 20 and 21, 2026 with an array of public celebrations to welcome the community and guests from around the world to Chicago’s South Side.

Most of the Obama Presidential Campus is free, open to the public and does not require tickets. 

Explore and Reflect

• Art and Culture: Discover original works of art commissioned specifically for the campus.

• Gardens and Plazas: Stroll through the Women’s Garden, the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden, or gather with friends at the John Lewis Plaza. 

• Nature Walks: Relax on the Great Lawn and walk on take advantage of the walking paths on the Wetland Walk

• Play and Learn: Watch your family explore the Playground and enjoy the newest branch of the Chicago Public Library.

• Eat and Shop: Grab a snack at the Cafe, enjoy a full meal at our Restaurant, bring your own food to the Picnic Area, and visit our store for unique souvenirs.

In addition, a variety of programs, tours, and events will be available across campus throughout the year. Some programs and events may require separate registration or tickets. Sign up for our newsletters to be the first to know.

The Obama Presidential Center campus is free and open to the public. To visit the Museum, you will need to purchase tickets for a timed entry. Museum tickets will go on sale in May. Guests with tickets can begin to visit the Museum on June 19, 2026. Sign up to be the first to know about ticket options.

We recommend reserving your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time. We can not guarantee availability if you buy tickets in person.

Information about ticket options will be made available before they go on sale in May. Ticket pricing is in line with other Chicago museums, and includes everyday discounts and designated free days for Illinois residents.

We are excited to welcome you and your students to our campus. School visits will officially launch fall semester of 2026, with the ability to reserve your spot beginning in the spring of 2026. If you have immediate questions, please contact education@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) .