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Our mission is to inspire,
empower,
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The Obama Presidential Center

Opening 2026– A place for connection, community, and wisdom.

Get a sneak peek
An aerial view of the Obama Presidential Center. People are seen on the lawn in the distance.

We’re building a world-class museum and public gathering space on the South Side of Chicago, where people from across the street or around the globe can come to get inspired, find common ground, and take action.

Library Main Reading Room without frieze
Campus
The Obama Presidential Center will feature a world-class museum, public library, and gathering spaces.
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A rendering of the Museum courtyard at the Obama Presidential Center.
Museum & Collection
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Obama Presidential Museum will tell the story of President and Mrs. Obama and their historic presidency—and how we can all do our part to create change.
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Building the Center
See how 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.
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A rendering of the Obama Presidential Center campus.
The Obama Presidential Center’s commitment to environmental sustainability
Discover how the Obama Presidential Center leads with green design, clean energy, and a sustainable future for all.
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A closeup of Julie Mehretu’s glass installation, “Uprising of the Sun.”
  • First Look
  • The Arts
Art at the Obama Presidential Center
Discover over 20 art installations that will stimulate creativity and inspire people to bring change home.
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Latest

Inspiration from leaders and communities around the world.

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More than 200 Obama Leaders with a range of ages and backgrounds, and light to dark skin tones, smile for a virtual call with President Obama and Maya Soetoro.
  • Programs
  • Stories
Obama Leader bridges culture and climate leadership through storytelling
John Taukave draws on Rotuman stories to guide Pacific climate leadership and inspire communities globally.
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Program participants pose for a selfie at the 2024 Democracy Forum. All are a range of light and medium skin tones.
  • Programs
  • Stories
Obama Leaders honor the people and places who shaped their journey
Explore Obama Leaders letters of thanks and the relationships that continue to inspire their work today.
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Barbara Mukisa, a Black girl with a dark skin tone, holds a candle as she smiles at the camera. She has low hair and is wearing a colorful patterned top. Girls in the background are slightly blurred.
  • Programs
  • Stories
From big sisters to reading mentors: Obama Foundation youth programs change lives
Meet two young changemakers of MBK Alliance and The Girls Opportunity Alliance.
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Captain II Shannon White, a Black woman with a medium skin tone, smiles for a photo with her father Captain Paul Enox, mother, and Jim McDonnell, chief of police for the Los Angeles Police Department.
  • Programs
  • Stories
Don’t get discouraged: Three pieces of advice from President Obama to public servants
President Barack Obama says it’s easy to dismantle norms that ensure the rule of law, but progress takes generations to build.
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Programs

Empowering the next generation of changemakers.

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A three-stitch photo of Obama Leader headshots. Around the image is an orange border.
  • Programs
  • Stories
What scares Obama Leaders? (Hint: it's not ghosts)
Hear from Obama Leaders on how they're turning what scares them into fuel for change.
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A group of colorful stickers sit on a table. Some are of The Obama Foundation logo and others say, “Obama Scholars,” “Chicago,” and “When they go low we go high.”
  • Stories
  • Education
One Scholar's fight to end food insecurity
How Sonia Garcia is closing the SNAP gap in Cook County, one application at a time.
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A group of young girls with a range of medium and dark skin tones hold up sheets of paper in a classroom. All girls are standing behind wooden desks.
  • Stories
  • Equality
Girls Opportunity Alliance provides $2.5M in support on International Day of the Girl
Learn how the Girls Opportunity Alliance is supporting 54 grassroots organizations from 28 countries to empower girls around the world.
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TK President Obama speaking with MBK Ambassadors
  • Stories
  • The Arts
MBK Ambassadors Come Together for First National Event
President Obama and the inaugural class of MBK Ambassadors join together for their first formal convening.
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  • Stories
  • Education
Obama-Chesky Voyagers travel to every corner of the world
61 countries, 100 students, one unforgettable summer.
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