Grand Opening: Friday, June 19

On June 19, the Obama Presidential Center opens to the public! Enjoy a free, open-house style event celebrating community, creativity, and joy. Dance to music on the plaza, create art with your family, and snapshot your place in this historic moment.

Important Information about Grand Opening Weekend:

Museum tickets are sold out for the Grand Opening Weekend. Plan your Museum visit (Opens in a new tab) for a future date.
Campus is expected to be very active during Grand Opening Weekend. You may experience wait times, so please leave plenty of time to explore.
Food and beverage will be available for sale at Tafari’s Kitchen and the Cafe as well as the Plaza, Fruit & Vegetable Garden Picnic Area, and Home Court Picnic Area

See Frequently Asked Questions

Friday, June 19

10:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Spotlight Stories offer 15-minute tour experiences focused on specific campus landmarks.
Fruit and Vegetable Garden
10:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 1:30 a.m. | 2:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.
Learn about design, sustainability, and the power of rooting community in nature. Meet your guide at the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden.

Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar
11 a.m. | 12 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 3 p.m. | 4 p.m.
Join an immersive look at two new art installations: Julie Mehretu's Uprising of the Sun and Alison Saar's Torch Song. Meet your guide at the Women’s Garden.
Host: Lizzie G
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lizzie G is a dynamic MC known for bringing unmatched energy to every stage!

DJ Shani and Lizzie G
11 - 11:15 a.m.

Ayodele Drum & Dance
11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Watch a short performance, learn West African dance steps, and play drum rhythms.

DJ Shani and Lizzie G
12 - 12:45 p.m. | Plaza
DJ Shani and Lizzie G maintain a vibrant atmosphere on the Plaza.

South Shore Drill Team
1 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. | Plaza
See precision drill, dance, and marching from a Chicago-based youth organization that uses performing arts to promote education and reduce violence.

DJ Duane Powell and Lizzie G
1:30 - 3 p.m. | Plaza
DJ Duane Powell and Lizzie G maintain a vibrant atmosphere on the Plaza.
Button Making
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building
Color, customize, and make your very own button with Busy Beaver Button Company to commemorate the Obama Presidential Center opening.
Screen Printing
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building
Create your own commemorative tote bag with artist William Estrada and his Mobile Art Cart.
Cross-Stitch Workshop
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building
Participate in a collaborative cross-stitch workshop with Stitch Gawd and help create a dynamic artwork that will evolve throughout the weekend.
Share Your Reflections
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building
Write a note to President and Mrs. Obama about your visit to the Obama Presidential Center.
Face Painting & Bubble Artist
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Playground & Picnic Area
Enjoy face painting and bubble art by Wowzers & Chicago Bubble Show.
Poetry Prompts
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library
Join StoryStudio Chicago for drop-in writing experiences.
Brain Builder: Book Bird
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library courtyard
Join the Art Institute of Chicago and engage with the commissioned art piece Book Bird by Richard Hunt.
Chicago Public Library
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library
Join the Chicago Public Library for storytimes and button making with families and children.

Reflections
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library
Living Record will provide prompts to share reflections of the weekend to be included in a time capsule.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, June 20

Sunday, June 21

Grand Opening made possible by

GCM Grosvenor, Bank of America, Abbott, BMO, ITW, Northern Trust

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Gear up for change

Commemorate the opening of the Obama Presidential Center with our Classic Collection. Designed for versatility and built for impact, these foundational pieces are made to accompany you as you show up, speak out, and bring about change in your own neighborhood.

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