Museum & Collection
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Obama Presidential Museum will tell the story of President and Mrs. Obama and their historic presidency—and how we can all do our part to create change.
Architecture
The architecture of the Museum building echoes movement upward from the grassroots. Its form is inspired by the idea of four hands coming together, a recognition that many hands shape a place. Like these hands, each facade of the four-sided building will be a little different from the next, providing a unique but engaging view from each angle.
The exterior of the Museum building will feature words taken from President Obama’s speech marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, and will be cast into the structure in such a way that visitors will be able to look out through the words onto the South and West sides of Chicago.
The building will serve as a historic landmark in Jackson Park, welcoming visitors to the South Side and the rest of the Center’s campus.
Exhibitions and Galleries
Dynamic Museum exhibits across four floors will highlight the events, policies, challenges, and accomplishments of the Obama Presidency. Rooted in the larger, complex discussion about democracy and the role of our nation's government since its founding, exhibitions will highlight the historical predecessors who made President and Mrs. Obama's stories possible and inspire visitors to push for change within their own communities.
Sky Room
On the top floor of the Museum Building, the Sky Room will offer visitors a space to reflect, with sweeping views of Lake Michigan to the East, the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago to the North, and the South Side of Chicago to the West and South. The Sky Room will be free and open to the public.
Lower Level
On the Lower Level, visitors can gather and discuss their time on campus, enjoy a snack or drink in the cafe, or shop in the retail store. Visitors will be able to participate in experiences that will encourage them to think about how to engage with their own communities, or walk over to the nearby program rooms and media suite in the Forum building.
The Lower Level will also feature a retail shop and café, connect to the Forum and its public programming, and link to several outdoor courtyards designed for both social interaction and quiet contemplation.
- The Arts
- Building the Center
World-renowned sculptor and artist Richard Hunt was born and raised in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.
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Share an artifact
The Obama Foundation is looking to hear from members of the broader Obama family—including longtime volunteers, friends, and staffers—who would like to offer artifacts for possible acquisition or loan consideration for the Obama Presidential Center Museum. These range from artifacts from the Obamas’ early lives and careers, to materials from the Presidential campaigns, administration, and beyond.
Find out how