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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- 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
- 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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- 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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