Building the Center
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.
NBA-size courts, gymnasium and community space to open in 2025
See the plans for the 45,000-square-foot multipurpose athletic and events facility coming to the Obama Presidential Center.
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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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- Barack Obama
See the latest photos and stay up-to-date on the building process.
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- Stories
Check out the latest construction update at the Obama Presidential Center.
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- 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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- Presidential History
Learn how Michelle Obama’s legacy is shaping the Obama Presidential Center.
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- First Look
The days may be getting cooler, but things are heating up at the Obama Presidential Center!
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- Stories
Construction has reached the third floor, where a reconstruction of the Obama Oval Office will be on exhibit.
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- 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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- The Arts
Artist Brandon Breaux and Dyett High School students showcase the power of culture and community.
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- 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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- Stories
Major structural work on the underground parking garage is complete!
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- The Center
Hear from a South Side native and architect building the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Community Engagement
Meet the women behind the Obama Presidential Center
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- Stories
As the Center continues to take shape, we are thrilled to reach a new milestone in its construction.
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- Equality
Learn how we're getting local residents involved in the building trades.
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- Stories
Construction at The Center has picked up considerably since the holidays, aided by the unseasonably mild weather.
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- Stories
Read the updates and see photos of this historic project from 2021-2022.
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- Watch
From our earliest days of planning, we always knew we wanted to have a Fruit & Vegetable Garden at the future Obama Presidential Center
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- Watch
Learn more about Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, and how she will be honored at the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Michelle Obama
In a special message, former First Lady Michelle Obama reflects on the life of Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton, who was killed by gun violence in 2013. She also shared how the late teen will be honored at the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Michelle Obama
Read the remarks former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Barack Obama
On Tuesday, September 28, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined President and Mrs. Obama at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Obama Presidential Center. Check out President Obama's remarks.
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- Community Engagement
The City of Chicago's prep work in Jackson Park officially kicks off our Road to Groundbreaking—a celebration of Chicago and everyone who is helping us make this dream a reality. Join us.
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- Chicago
Watch a special message from President Obama about the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Chicago
Yesterday, we took an important step toward bringing the Obama Presidential Center to life as the Chicago Plan Commission unanimously voted to allow our project to move forward to the City Council.
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- Community Engagement
During Tuesday’s meeting at McCormick Place, we received productive and inspiring feedback from the public -- and we wanted to make sure we shared that with you.
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- Chicago
Last night, the Obama Foundation hosted a public meeting in Chicago, bringing together hundreds of local residents to hear more about the Obama Presidential Center plans and share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback with us.
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The Obama Foundation will have projects, programs, and digital networks all over the world. We are looking for passionate people from your community to join us. Will you join us?