The Museum

Opening June 2026 6001 S. Stony Island Ave. Chicago, IL 60637
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An image of the “Yes We Can” exhibit inside the Museum Building. The exhibit is a large circular structure with words that say “Yes We Can” in wooden letters. An exhibit screen is in the background.

The Museum presents the remarkable story of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, America’s first Black president and First Lady. Dynamic exhibits across four floors explore the promise of democracy and the work of the Obama Presidency. Their challenges and accomplishments are rooted in the stories of the people, events, and policies that influenced them and continue to shape their legacy.

An illustration of the different levels of the Obama Presidential Center Museum. The illustration is of the exterior of the building. Different descriptions across the exterior denote the different floors of the Museum.

Museum Highlights

Yes We Can

Journey back to Election Night 2008. Head to Level 2 of the Museum and learn how the election of President Obama was made possible by people like you. Take in the stories of everyday citizens who mobilized for change and worked together to make history. 

A “Yes We Can” button from President Obama’s 2008 election. The button is white with the words “Yes We Can” print on top. “Yes” is a deep blue. “We” is a medium blue. “Can” is a deep red. Below the phrase are the words “Obama 08”.
The Oval Office

Ever wonder what it’s like to sit in the seat of the President? Now’s your chance to find out! Visit Level 4 of the Museum and walk through a full-size replica of President Obama’s Oval Office: sit behind the president’s desk and examine items that are unique to his presidency. 

An aerial view of President Obama sitting at his desk in the Oval Office during his administration. There is a man standing to the right of President Obama.
The Sky Room

Head to the top of the Museum for a view like no other. The Sky Room offers soul-stirring perspective and panoramic views of Chicago’s South and West sides, surrounded by the iconic words of one of President Obama’s most memorable speeches.

Panoramic views of the Sky Room, a space in the Obama Presidential Center Museum. At the top of the image is a ceiling art installation by Idris Khan that is white and purple with sharp lines extending outward and across the ceiling.

Levels of the Museum

*** We suggest all visitors allot at least two hours for their visit to the Museum.

  • 01 General Admission

    Head to the Museum Entry Pavilion to purchase your tickets (pending availability). While there, check out our audio guide options for history buffs, families, art lovers, and anyone who wants a deep dive into the Center.  

  • 02 Toward a More Perfect Union

    Delve into iconic historical moments that helped shape the lives and values of President and Mrs. Obama. Become immersed in the  energy and enthusiasm of the groundbreaking presidential campaign and election.

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  • 03 Working for the Common Good

    Revisit the Obama administration's hard-fought triumphs domestically and abroad, while learning about some ongoing challenges and unfinished work. Learn about the inner workings of the United States government and your own role in our democracy.

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  • 04 The People's House

    Take an intimate look at the First Family's years in the White House. Learn how the White House was transformed into a vibrant home made for everyone.

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  • 05 We the People

    Reflect on the collective responsibility we have to our democracy and join a community of changemakers past and present in action. 

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  • 08 The Sky Room

    The Sky Room, an awe-inspiring space at the very top of the Museum Building. Take in panoramic views of Chicago’s South Side, framed by 5-foot-high  words from President Obama’s speech commemorating the march on Selma.

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Stories about the Museum

All Stories
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You Are America
Discover the story and creation of the Obama Presidential Center’s unparalleled installation.
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An Ode to Chicago: The Obama Presidential Center Mural
Learn more how Chicago artists pay homage to the community and creativity of the South and West Sides.
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A composite of 11 different buttons from labor unions that supported President Obama with each button reflecting a different union.
  • The Center
  • Chicago
The Obama Presidential Center Museum will showcase historical political buttons
On this Labor Day, get a glimpse of some of the meaningful buttons labor unions made to support President Obama’s campaigns.
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