Skip to content

The Campus

The Obama Presidential Center is a vibrant 19.3 acre campus located in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park. Designed to inspire, empower, and connect people to bring change home, the campus features a diverse array of public spaces. Head to the Museum to learn who shaped our democracy. Enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors at the Women’s Garden or the Wetland Walk. Grab a book at the Library. The campus is open daily, free of charge, for all to enjoy.
Hours and Address
Opening June 2026 6001 S. Stony Island Ave. Chicago, Illinois, USA 60637
Plan Your Visit
Explore activities, tours, dining, and shopping on campus.
Getting to the Campus
Get to the campus from anywhere in Chicago.
An aerial wide shot of the 19-3 acre campus at the Obama Presidential Center on a sunny and cloudy day. The picture includes an aerial view of Jackson Park and the Chicago skyline.
Credit: Angie McMongical

Highlights

An up close rendering of the Museum Building at the Obama Presidential Center completed. The Museum is a tall grey building with a mosaic art installation carved into the front. The sky in the background is at dusk. Below is the campus grounds featuring trees, pathways, and several people walking.
Obama Presidential Center Museum

Discover a global destination that tells the story of the Obamas, alongside the power of ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things. Get a close-up look at life in the Obama White House and explore the movements that shaped President and Mrs. Obama, brought to life through captivating exhibits, unique artifacts, and hands-on interactions. 

A rendering of people of all ages and skin tones standing on the John Lewis Plaza at the Obama Presidential Center. The floor of the Plaza is a checkered square pattern. The Forum Building is in the background.
The Forum

Engage with new ideas, celebrate your creativity, and connect with your community at the Forum. Head inside to meet up with friends in the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, watch a performance at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, or record a song in the Media Suite.

An up close shot of the window panels at the entrance of Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center on a snowy day. The building is gray and metal.
Home Court

Featuring an NBA-regulation size court and flexible rooms built to empower the next generations, this is our home for athletics and global leadership programs.

A close shot of President Obama speaking at a Chicago Public Library branch. Books on shelves are in the background.  President Obama has a medium deep skin complexion and gray and black closely cut hair. He is wearing a dark colored suit.
Obama Presidential Center's Chicago Public Library Branch

Lose yourself in the new Chicago Public Library branch. Take a look at our interactive media area, read one of the Obamas’ favorite books in the Presidential Reading Room, or relax in a quiet space for work and reading.

A rendering of a person sitting on a bench as people of all ages and skin tones walk on the John Lewis Plaza at the Obama Presidential Center. Behind the Plaza is the Forum Building.
John Lewis Plaza

Connect with your community in a vibrant outdoor space that celebrates the spirit and legacy of Congressman John Lewis. 

A person with a dark skin tone holds fresh radishes in a garden. They are wearing a white button up shirt.
Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden

Celebrate the legacy of two extraordinary First Ladies as you learn how to grow and make your own food. You can find dozens of garden beds or local plants and native vegetables.  

A rendering of children and families on the playground at the Obama Presidential Center. All are different ages and skin tones.
Playground

Leap into our new vision for play! This joyful outdoor space is perfect for children of all ages and abilities. Inspired by the great outdoors and our local environment, the playground features two levels of equipment, an ADA accessible swing set, a slide, and much more.

A wide shot of the Great Lawn at the Obama Presidential Center on a snowy day. The Museum Building is in the background.
The Great Lawn

Enjoy casual afternoon picnics or make new memories sledding in the winter on our sprawling 58,000 square foot lawn.

More on Campus

  • Art Collection

    Discover more than 20 brand-new art installations from creators across the globe. The vast majority are free and publicly accessible. 

  • Ann Dunham Water Terrace

    Celebrate the life and legacy of President Obama's mother in a stunning outdoor space featuring a sculpture by artist Maya Lin.

  • Women's Garden

    The restored garden provides a serene environment, ideal for a tranquil stroll. The Garden, originally created in tribute to the efforts of female leaders in Chicago, is a living memorial to the power of civic participation. 

  • Wetland Walk

    Take in the majesty of nature along walking paths designed for sustainability and accessibility.

An illustration of a deer, a butterfly on a flower, and a cardinal in the sky next to a big yellow son. Gradient blue ocean waves are in the background.

Land Acknowledgement

The Obama Foundation is committed to empowering and uplifting Indigenous voices and perspectives as together we strive to realize a vibrant democratic culture.

Learn More

Sign up for the latest on the Obama Foundation

Get the latest news and updates by signing up for Obama Foundation emails. (All fields required.)