Preview of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park

The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park is almost ready to open. Media got a sneak peek ahead of the public opening set for June 19. The center will kick off with a dedication event filled with notable guests, although their identities remain under wraps. This event will stream online and at the Midway Plaisance.

Inside the Museum

The museum is spread over four floors. The top tier, known as the “Sky Room,” offers panoramic views. The first level highlights movements that paved the way for Barack Obama, such as labor and voting rights. It addresses resistance to racial progress, economic disparities, and conservative shifts from Nixon to Reagan. Key Chicago figures, including Jane Addams and Harold Washington, along with Barack and Michelle Obama’s early careers, are prominently featured.

For local political enthusiasts, Obama’s early political career gets limited mention. Visitors will encounter videos narrated by Obama, showcasing a wide array of exhibits, including a wall of 2008 campaign buttons and school essays.

A branch of the Chicago Public Library on-site features the President’s Reading Room. This room addresses the racial backlash faced by the Obama family, spotlighting false birth origin claims and other controversies.

The second floor delves into Obama’s presidency. There are sections on the auto bailout, the financial crisis, the Affordable Care Act, and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Five-minute video installations enrich these topics with insights from administration officials and personal stories from constituents.

This level includes an interactive kids’ section about American democracy, covering topics like the separation of powers and voting rights. The third floor offers family-friendly exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office and the First Lady’s dresses.

The fourth floor showcases initiatives on rights and reforms involving tribes, disability, LGBTQ communities, gender equity, criminal justice, and climate change. Visitors can engage with storytelling booths and design their buttons.

Noteworthy Features

• The center reconnects Jackson Park pathways, making them accessible to pedestrians and cyclists and linking with the Museum of Science and Industry.
• Almost half the campus lies below ground level, with an underground parking garage and courtyard levels allowing for more park space. Visitors must access the museum only after exiting the garage, encouraging social interaction.
• Spaces within the museum are named after notable donors and figures, with memorials for Hadiya Pendleton and Tafari Campbell.
• The removal of old trees stirred controversy, resulting in sustainable landscaping efforts by the foundation.
• The building exterior, with its granite façade and unique design elements, has drawn architectural attention and critique.

The center’s exhibit also includes figures who inspired or were part of Obama’s Cabinet, like former Mayor Harold Washington and foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett. Others like Rahm Emanuel and David Axelrod appear in video and photo displays.

Visitor Information

The grand opening weekend offers free events, including live shows and family activities. Regular museum visits are already booked until late August. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $23 for kids, with reduced pricing for Illinois residents. Illinoisans can visit for free on Tuesdays, but those slots are booked until late fall.

Visitors can still explore the surrounding campus from early morning to late evening. Amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, public art spots, and sports facilities. Parking is limited to about 400 underground spots, making public transportation advisable.

The Metra Electric Line and several CTA buses serve the area. The streets around the center have bike-rental stations, and nearby hotels offer ample lodging options.