In 2026, the Obama Foundation will open the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side. The Center will be a new civic institution dedicated to the push and pull of democratic progress. The 19.3-acre campus will offer a variety of opportunities to engage, including art and art programming, events and public programs, and interactive exhibits, all designed to inspire visitors to take action in their own communities. The Obama Presidential Center is expected to welcome more than 700,000 visitors annually from across the globe—becoming an economic engine on the South Side that will benefit the local community and create new employment opportunities for people across Chicago. The Center will include a world-class museum, indoor and outdoor public gathering areas, and Home Court, a 45,000 square foot multipurpose space will function as a venue for a variety of health and wellness programs, youth-based sports leadership activities, and community events.
Background and Vision
The idea for the OPC was born out of a desire to create a living, breathing monument that goes beyond the traditional presidential library. Announced in 2015, the center’s mission is to be a place of learning, engagement, and action. Barack and Michelle Obama have emphasized that the center is not merely a reflection of the past but a hub for civic engagement, cultural exchange, and social innovation. Their vision is to give back to the community that they feel gave them so much, invest in the talent and ideas and the lives of their neighbors on the South Side of Chicago, and create investment and opportunity.
The Obama Foundation’s mission is to inspire, empower and connect people to change their world.
The center is designed to be accessible to all, with a particular focus on serving the local community on the South Side of Chicago, a historically underserved area.
The OPC is located in Jackson Park, a site that holds significant historical and cultural value. The park was originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind New York City’s Central Park, and was the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The choice of Jackson Park for the OPC underscores the center’s connection to Chicago’s rich history and its future aspirations.
The Museum tells the story of the Obamas in the context of American history, African American history, and the Civil Rights Movement. Michael Strautmanis, Chief Engagement Officer at the Obama Foundation, tells us, “We want this to be a place where people can come and actively participate in the Obamas’ remarkable story, and be inspired by what they see. We want them to sit in a replica of the Oval Office, view important artifacts from the Obama Administration, and see how it all fits into the larger arc of history—whether it’s the progressive movements or The Great Migration. Hopefully, they’ll enjoy some spectacular views of Jackson Park and the lake and downtown while they’re at it.
There will also be a restaurant and a branch of the Chicago Public Library, where neighbors are able to come read and learn and just be with one another. Additionally, there will be places for young people to have fun—including a playground, recording center, plaza, and athletic center.
Strautmanis says, “The Obama Center in itself will be transformative, and we’re also building it in a transformative way as well.
The forum building will host events, discussions, and community gatherings, serving as a place where ideas and action converge. The library will house a digital archive of the Obama presidency, offering resources for scholars, students, and the general public.
The landscape design, overseen by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, integrates the center into the natural environment of Jackson Park. The OPC’S outdoor spaces are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, featuring a community garden, playgrounds, and areas for public art installations. These spaces are intended to foster community engagement and provide a peaceful retreat in the midst of a bustling city.
Programs and Initiatives
The Obama Presidential Center is not just a physical space; it is also the headquarters for the Obama Foundation's global programs and initiatives. The Foundation’s programs focus on leadership development, civic engagement, and community building.
The Center’s programs include the Obama Leaders Program, the Voyager Scholarship (the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service), the Obama Foundation Scholars Program, My Brother’s Keepers Alliance, and Girl’s Opportunity Alliance.
Impact on the Community
The Obama Presidential Center is expected to have a significant impact on the local community, both economically and socially. The center is anticipated to bring new jobs, tourism, and investment to the South Side of Chicago. Moreover, the OPC’s focus on community engagement means that it will be a resource for local residents, offering programs and services that address the needs of the community.
The Obama Foundation has committed to working with local organizations and community leaders to ensure that the development of the OPC benefits the entire community. This includes efforts to support affordable housing, local businesses, and job training programs.
Michael Strautmanis says, “This place that we are building is not just going to be for tourists from around the country and around the world, it’s for our neighbors. It’s for the community.
“We need to build democracy for the future, not the past. And what gives me hope is the promise and potential of the next generation of leaders who are coming up, young people who understand that the future of democracy, and in fact, the very planet that we live on, hangs in the balance. These young people are ready to do the work, and many of them are already deeply engaged in the project of rebuilding our democracies.” —President Obama.
