Building the Center stories
We’re building a welcoming, vibrant campus where people from across the street or from around the globe can come to get inspired, find common ground, and take action.
Monumental painted-glass window, “Uprising of the Sun,” will welcome visitors to the Obama Presidential Center
Julie Mehretu's 83-foot-high installation is inspired by President Obama’s remarks at the 50th anniversary of the marches from Selma to Montgomery.
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- Watch
- Barack Obama
Get a sneak peek at a four-story digital wall that will celebrate the “Power of Words” and pay homage to the first digital President.
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- Chicago
- Construction blog
Concrete construction across the site is complete. The Sky Room and Oval Office are taking shape.
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- Chicago
- Construction blog
Get a peek at the basketball hoop-shaped exterior wedge walls.
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- Chicago
- Construction blog
The Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center was topped out —which means the steel skeleton of the building is complete!
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- Chicago
- Construction blog
The Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center was topped out —which means the steel skeleton of the building is complete!
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- Chicago
- Construction blog
Get a peak at the steel framing for the athletics facility, museum building stone installation and an update on the latest artwork.
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- Education
- First Look
As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors in 2026, our brand identity enters a new chapter.
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- Stories
- Equality
- Community Engagement
- Chicago
Get to know the inspiring community members behind the Obama Presidential Center
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- First Look
- The Arts
Discover over 20 art installations that will stimulate creativity and inspire people to bring change home.
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- First Look
- Community Engagement
This unique partnership is the first of its kind and will feature digital media spaces and educational resources for kids and adults.
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- In memoriam
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Honoring the legacy of our “First Mother-in-Law”
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- Chicago
- Construction blog
The Museum Building at the Obama Presidential Center has reached its final height of 225 feet.
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- Chicago
- Stories
Check out the latest construction update at the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Chicago
- Barack Obama
See the latest photos and stay up-to-date on the building process.
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- First Look
- Community Engagement
See the plans for the 45,000-square-foot multipurpose athletic and events facility coming to the Obama Presidential Center.
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- In memoriam
- Changemakers
Learn about the work of civil rights icon John Lewis and his influence on President Obama and the Obama Foundation.
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- Michelle Obama
- Presidential History
Learn how Michelle Obama’s legacy is shaping the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Chicago
- First Look
The days may be getting cooler, but things are heating up at the Obama Presidential Center!
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- Chicago
- Stories
Construction has reached the third floor, where a reconstruction of the Obama Oval Office will be on exhibit.
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- Chicago
- Stories
It has been a season of great progress! The height of the stair and elevator wells have passed the halfway-point of the building.
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- First Look
- The Arts
Artist Brandon Breaux and Dyett High School students showcase the power of culture and community.
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- First Look
- Barack Obama
- Chicago
- Stories
Work on the Museum building has reached an exciting milestone with the placement of the street level deck to form the concrete floor at this level.
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- Chicago
- Stories
Major structural work on the underground parking garage is complete!
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- Chicago
- Watch
Hear from a South Side native and architect building the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Chicago
- Community Engagement
Meet the women behind the Obama Presidential Center
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- Chicago
- Stories
As the Center continues to take shape, we are thrilled to reach a new milestone in its construction.
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- Chicago
- Equality
Learn how we're getting local residents involved in the building trades.
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- Chicago
- Stories
Construction at The Center has picked up considerably since the holidays, aided by the unseasonably mild weather.
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- Stories
- Programs
As we reflect on this year, we couldn’t be more proud of the work of our global network of leaders who are tackling some of the most vital issues of our time and working together to strengthen their communities and our institutions.
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- Chicago
- Stories
Read the updates and see photos of this historic project from 2021.
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- Chicago
- Stories
As construction of the Obama Presidential Center enters its second year, the focus is almost entirely on concrete.
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- Chicago
- Community Engagement
The organization is on track to meet its ambitious workforce and business diversity goals for construction.
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- The Center
- First Look
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
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- Chicago
- Stories
The majority of columns for the lower level of the parking garage have been cast and construction of the concrete walls is nearly complete.
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