Host an Event
The Obama Presidential Center was thoughtfully designed to serve the community with programming and event space rentals, for personal, local, national and even global needs.
Request bookingLocated on Chicago’s South Side in historic Jackson Park, The Obama Presidential Center is a global campus dedicated to fostering a culture of democracy and positive change. From a world-class Museum and Sky Room Vista overlooking Lake Michigan, to the Fruit and Vegetable Garden, the Obama Presidential Center offers the perfect setting for business, personal, and world-class events. Book your next board meeting, holiday party, wedding, or celebration with us today!

Four unique areas with flexible event spaces

Dazzle your guests in this innovative storytelling venue that inspires and empower individuals to bring change home to their community. 6 event spaces to choose from, up to 500 reception-style or 220 seated, or reserve the entire building. Private tours of the Museum Exhibit Galleries can be added on.
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Collaboration and creativity come to life in the heart of the Center. Enjoy views of the John Lewis Plaza and stunning courtyards. 7 event spaces to choose from, up to 600 reception-style or 120 seated.
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A 45,000-square-foot building where sports and community come alive. This elegant glass and metal structure features a basketball court and multipurpose rooms – the ideal venue for a variety of professional meetings and conferences, community events, and personal celebrations. 3 event spaces to choose from, up to 999 reception-style or 700 seated.
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A sustainable landscape, brimming with new life and unique opportunities to engage with nature. Outdoor venues on the campus are unlike any on the South Side and will add to the great amenities in Jackson Park. 2 event spaces to choose from with a broad range of capacity arrangements.
Learn moreBenefits of booking your event with us
As part of the rental experience, you’ll have access to campus food and beverage partners, as well as the latest in audio visual technology. Larger campus rentals are also possible.
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The perfect setting
Whether you host in an indoor or outdoor venue, your guests will enjoy such beautifully designed spaces and artwork, you can choose to forgo additional decor.
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Robust catering options
Serve your guests simply or in high style with our catering partners. Options include everything from boxed lunches to buffets to hosted bar service, with customization available.
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Nonprofit discount
Nonprofits are eligible for a 20 percent discount. Proceeds from event rentals support the Foundation’s ongoing educational mission and programs.
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Advanced AV technology
With options ranging from a single microphone to ceiling-mounted PTZ cameras, to a nano wall with white board capability, our spaces are prepared to host everything from board meetings to basketball tournaments.
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Campus rental
If you’re looking to host more than 999 people, we’ve got you covered with flexible options.
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Commitment to sustainability
With geothermal heat, repurposed rainwater and LEED-certified buildings, The Obama Presidential Center embodies President Obama’s commitments to environmental protection. No fossil fuels will be used in daily operations.
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Commitment to accessibility
The Center is inclusively designed to ensure that people with disabilities or other barriers to access are able to enjoy indoor and outdoor spaces and programs.
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Rental FAQs
Basic security, setup and breakdown of event spaces, and access to chairs and tables for associated guest counts per space are included. We are still determining exact quantities as well as style of tables and chairs. All linens, plateware, flatware, and glassware, which will all be sourced through our food and beverage partners, will garner additional fees. Based on the scope of the event, including event hours and number of people, additional visitor services, maintenance or security staff may be required and will be determined and billed accordingly.
While we cannot disclose who our partner is at this time, they are a partnership between a nationally based company that has provided food and beverage service to other cultural institutions across the country and a local chef who reflects the energy and cultural legacy of the community. The food and beverage partner will operate across the entire campus except for The Home Court.
We have selected eight preferred caters, who reflect different cultural approaches and price points to meet the demands of programs and events that will take place as well as the needs of the community.
The hours of operation for events vary per building; however, all events will have an end time of 11 p.m. with a possible extension to 12 a.m. Further extensions will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, the Obama Presidential Center will be a union house. We will have onsite union teams and all third-party vendors will be required to use union labor, when applicable.
Available audiovisual amenities are outlined with each space. Use of equipment will require additional staffing based on recommendations from the Director of Facilities.