Obama Presidential Center construction update for the end of 2025
Take a sneak peek into construction of the Presidential Center campus including the completion of Home Court.
- The Center
- Building the Center
- First Look
We’re capping off 2025 with a major construction milestone: Home Court is now complete! The 60,000 square-foot building, inspired by President and Mrs. Obama’s commitment to athletics and wellness, will empower, inspire and connect people through sports, learning and play.
A behind the scenes look at President Obama’s visit to the Obama Presidential Center
President Obama could barely contain his excitement when he visited the Obama Presidential Center campus in December to see first-hand how construction is progressing.
He spent several hours examining the museum exhibits with the curators, viewing some of the massive public artwork for the first time and describing the wonder (Opens in a new tab) visitors from the South Side and around the world will experience when the doors open in June 2026. As part of his visit, The Obama Foundation is showing some never-before-seen images inside the museum, athletic center and the former President’s reaction to one of the best views of Chicago that people will ever get.
Take a look at more of the incredible progress being made on the Presidential Center campus as we head into 2026.
Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center Museum
The Forum Building
The Playground
Outdoor Spaces
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- 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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- Stories
- Youth
From big milestones at the Obama Presidential Center to global leadership and community impact, 2025 was a year of meaningful progress.
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- The Center
- The Arts
Dive into the dynamic world of artist Marie Watt and her collaboration with Nick Cave for the Obama Presidential Center.
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- The Center
- First Look
Take a behind the scenes look at progress on the Obama Presidential Center campus.
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- The Center
- Quick Read
Celebrate the 4th anniversary of the Center’s Groundbreaking and take a look at how far we’ve come.
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- The Center
- First Look
Get a glimpse into the construction work happening at the Obama Presidential Center campus.
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- Stories
- The Arts
Ten more artists have been commissioned to have their work appear at the Obama Presidential Center.
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- The Center
- First Look
Have you been keeping up with our Construction Updates? Here's our big 2025 mid-year recap!
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- The Center
- Equality
Explore the Obama Presidential Center’s inclusive design plans
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- The Center
- Community Engagement
This summer, join us at your local coffee shop, library, festival, or small business to learn more about the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Sustainability
- Construction blog
Celebrate Sustainability Month with us and take a look at the latest developments at the Presidential Center
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- Stories
- Presidential History
- 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 peek 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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- Stories
Major structural work on the underground parking garage is complete!
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