Barack Obama Presidential Center

Barack Obama Presidential Center
Logo of the Barack Obama Presidential Center
Obama Center's museum tower and John Lewis Plaza on opening day, June 2026
General information
LocationJackson Park, Chicago, Illinois
Coordinates41°46′57″N 87°35′08″W / 41.78250°N 87.58556°W / 41.78250; -87.58556
Named forBarack Obama
Construction startedAugust 16, 2021
InauguratedJune 18, 2026
Cost$482 million
ManagementValerie Jarrett, CEO
Kenvi Phillips, Director
Design and construction
ArchitectTod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, and Interactive Design Architects:
Landscape architect: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Site Design Group, and Living Habitats
Website
www.obama.org/presidential-center/

The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a presidential library and museum in Chicago, Illinois dedicated to Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. The foundation was officially founded in January 2014.

On April 30, 2015, it was confirmed that the Obama Presidential Library would be located in Jackson Park in Woodlawn, Chicago, Illinois. Construction began in August 2021. It is part of the Chicago Public Library system.

The center is located on a 19.3-acre (7.8 ha) campus on the South Side of Chicago, next to the University of Chicago campus. The center's main entry point is at John Lewis Plaza. The university provides planning, support, engagement and programming.

A dedication ceremony was held on June 18, 2026, to be followed by its opening to the public the next day, on Juneteenth.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Sweet, Lynn (August 16, 2021). "Obama Presidential Center costs detailed as groundbreaking takes place at Jackson Park". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  2. ↑ Jackson, David (January 24, 2014). "Barack Obama library foundation is formed". USA Today. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  3. ↑ Bowean, Lolly (May 2, 2018). "Obama Foundation announces new public library branch". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Obama Foundation Announces Jackson Park as Site of the Obama Presidential Center" (Press release). Obama.org. July 29, 2016. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  5. ↑ "John Lewis - Obama Presidential Center Honoree". obama.org. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  6. ↑ "FAQ on Obama Presidential Library". UChicago News. January 31, 2014. Archived from the original on April 16, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Revenge of the tan suit at the Obama Presidential Center ceremony". Chicago Sun-Times. June 18, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Obama Center gets skin in the game with fancy new granite cladding on its tower". Chicago Sun-Times. April 17, 2024. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
    Quig, A.D. (March 8, 2024). "Obama Presidential Center opening pushed from late 2025 to 2026". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
    Evans, Maxwell (December 3, 2025). "Obama Center To Open In June, Former President Says".
    Obama, Barack (March 7, 2026). "@Barak Obama". Twitter.
    Wetli, Patty (9 March 2026). "Obama Presidential Center to Open on Juneteenth: 'Hope Is Getting a Permanent Home'". WTTW. Chicago: Window To The World Communications, Inc. Retrieved 16 April 2026. An invitation-only dedication ceremony will take place June 18, featuring yet-to-be-named entertainers and speakers.