Spotlight Stories

Short on time but big on curiosity? Join us for a Spotlight Story. These focused, 15-minute sessions highlight specific campus landmarks and art pieces, giving you an insider’s perspective on what makes our campus one-of-a-kind.

Tickets

The Spotlight Series Tours are free of cost to guests on the campus. However, you must reserve your space in advance.

Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar

Tour Start Times

Mondays: 1:30 p.m., 4:00 pm, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.

Join us in the Women’s Garden for an immersive look at two landmark art installations on the North Side of the Obama Presidential Center. Explore how artists reference history in their work to help us understand our past and imagine our future as we dive into:

Julie Mehretu’s Uprising of the Sun: A luminous glass masterwork responding to President Obama’s historic Selma 50th Anniversary speech.
Alison Saar’s Torch Song: A sculptural tribute to the Black female icons—from Marian Anderson to Nina Simone—whose voices fueled the movement for justice.

Fruit and Vegetable Garden

Tour Start Times

Mondays: 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday - Saturday: 11:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

Come talk design, sustainability, and the power of rooting community in nature! One of the wonderful things about the design of the Obama Presidential Center is that it blurs the barriers between the built and natural environments. Sitting on top of the newest branch of the Chicago Public Library is the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden. This space is intended to be a working garden, allowing local visitors to see fresh produce being planted, grown, and harvested, and has a direct connection to the initiatives of two former First Ladies, Michelle Obama and Elenaor Roosevelt.

Campus Audio Guide

Thanks to our exciting new partnership with Bloomberg Connects, guests have the chance to unlock an immersive experience that dives into compelling stories, exhibitions, and art at the Center.

Access our campus Audio Guides

Plan your visit

Getting to the campus

Map out your route to our campus before you visit.

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Dining

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

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Museum

Explore the remarkable story of President Obama and Michelle Obama and those who inspired their journey.

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Sky Room

Head to the top of the Museum and take in stunning views of the West and South Sides of Chicago.

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Accessibility

Check out all of the accessibility options across our campus.

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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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