Hope has a new home—and it’s opening on Chicago’s South Side.
Following five years of planning and construction, the Obama Foundation has officially announced that the Obama Presidential Center will welcome the public on Juneteenth.
Starting on June 19, 2026, visitors will be able to explore a 19-acre campus, consisting of four buildings, which includes a playground, a museum, public art displays, extensively landscaped park areas and a new branch of the Chicago Public Library.
The eagerly awaited opening of the $850 million project will kick off a weekend full of events from June 18th to June 21st, including ribbon-cutting ceremonies, discussions, and various activities: a dedication ceremony at John Lewis Plaza will kick off on June 18th. The official opening for the public will happen the following day, on June 19th. Community celebrations will continue throughout the campus on June 20th and June 21st.
In a statement, President Obama shared why the opening date of the center is very fitting.
“It is easy to look around right now and feel like the challenges we face are simply too big,” he said. “But hope is not about ignoring the hard stuff. It is that thing inside us that insists something better awaits if we are willing to work for it.”
President Obama continued.
“Here on the South Side of Chicago, hope is getting a permanent home. Starting on June 19, you can visit the Obama Presidential Center. This is not a monument to the past; it is a living destination for people who refuse to accept the status quo. If you feel that way, this is your invitation to join us.”
According to The Architect’s Newspaper, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects designed the museum. The construction started in late 2021 after a long period of design and planning that faced many challenges, including community opposition and legal issues.
Artists like Theaster Gates and Julie Mehretu have created pieces for the tower on the campus, which is covered in granite and can be seen from a distance.
The Program & Athletics Center, created by Moody Nolan and is called Home Court, is set to open to the public this June, as well.
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, stated, “The launch of the Obama Presidential Center will shine as a symbol of hope for everyone and we aim for visitors to feel inspired to create change in their own neighborhoods.”
One of the many lasting parts of President Obama’s legacy is being known as America’s first digital president and he began his term during a time when digital media was growing rapidly. His campaign and presidency used new technology to reach out to millions, bringing together different groups to work towards a shared goal: creating a strong democracy despite changes happening around them.
To align with this vision, the museum will offer cutting-edge digital experiences, too. In part of a statement on their website, the Obama Foundation noted that these experiences “will play a vital role in our mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to transform their world.” It will showcase captivating films and projections, digital art exhibits, immersive soundscapes and interactive digital activities – all designed to motivate action within the Foundation’s global community.
A standout feature of the museum will be “Power of Words,” an expansive four-story exhibition dedicated to cinematic narratives, artistic expression and auditory experiments. This remarkable installation illuminates the power of language and words as vital instruments that motivate, uplift and unite individuals in their quest for social advancement.
The Obama Presidential Center is situated in the historic Jackson Park Highlands area.
Most of the campus will be free to visit, with paid admission for the museum.
