Obama Presidential Center Set to Open in Chicago

The Obama Presidential Center is set to open later this month on the South Side of Chicago. Unlike traditional presidential libraries, this campus offers a mix of activities and exhibits. It features basketball courts, gardens, ball fields, a playground, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, and a towering eight-story museum.

Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by the word hope, a fitting nod to former President Obama’s 2008 campaign. The center is filled with art installations, including Mark Bradford’s “City of the Big Shoulders,” a colorful multimedia piece and Nick Cave’s “This Land, Shared Sky” created with Marie Watt. While exploring, visitors can also see Julie Mehretu’s layered glass artwork as they move between floors.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, shared that the museum tells the story of not just the Obamas but of America. It begins with the country’s founding documents and significant social movements. This narrative reflects Obama’s frequent theme of striving for a more perfect union. The museum also highlights Obama’s first presidential campaign, complete with campaign memorabilia and a documentary-style video that captures the era’s emotional and historical significance.

Exhibits in the museum include personal artifacts from Obama’s life and presidency. Items range from early school projects to his Nobel Peace Prize. There’s a replica of the Oval Office and a display featuring Michelle Obama’s dresses, from evening gowns to casual wear like a Target dress. Notably absent is the infamous tan suit, which Jarrett mentions Obama likely gave away.

Visitors will find timelines of Obama’s key achievements, such as the operation to capture Osama bin Laden and the passing of the Affordable Care Act. Some accomplishments, like the Iran nuclear deal, have been rolled back by subsequent administrations. However, the museum’s purpose remains one of reflection and motivation, encouraging visitors to foster change in their communities.

The center includes an indoor basketball court and The Sky Room, which provides views of Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods. Level five features Idris Khan’s “Sky of Hope,” inviting visitors to ponder their role in driving societal progress. The new branch of the Chicago Public Library, along with a bronze sculpture of the Obamas, greets guests at the campus entrance.