The Obama Presidential Center is located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, near the University of Chicago and the neighborhoods where the Obamas lived.
Construction began in 2021, and the center opened to visitors in 2026. The campus includes a museum, a public library branch, gardens, a playground, and athletic space.
A Different Model
Unlike earlier presidential libraries, the center is run by the Obama Foundation, and the official presidential records are being digitized by the National Archives.
Visiting Tip
Check the Obama Foundation website for hours and ticket information, and plan time to explore Jackson Park and the nearby Museum of Science and Industry.
Learn More
For primary sources, explore the Obama White House archives maintained by the National Archives, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, and presidential history collections at your local library. Reading accounts from supporters and critics alike gives the fullest picture of any presidency.
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