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.
A close shot from the inside of the Museum Building of Julie Mehretu’s “Uprising of the Sun” installation at the Obama Presidential Center.

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.

Learn About Art On Campus

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.

A young boy with a deep skin tone wears headphones as he looks at a digital interactive screen.

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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Shop

    Take home exclusive merchandise inspired by the city of Chicago, the Obamas’ legacy, and the Presidential Center campus. 

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Campus Visitor Policy

A few things to know before heading to the Obama Presidential Center.

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  • 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

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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.

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