Visitor Policies

• Please follow all laws and avoid disruptive behavior.

• Outdoor celebrations must maintain noise levels respectful to all visitors.

• As a courtesy, please refrain from taking phone calls in the Museum galleries and place phones on silent.

• For your safety, visitors and bags may be subject to security screening.

• Video monitoring and recording is in use across the campus.

• Children under 14 require adult supervision.

• Guests who disrupt the safety or orderly function of the Obama Presidential Center may be asked to leave the premises. In cases of severe or repeated misconduct, we reserve the right to revoke access or involve law enforcement. These actions are taken to protect the integrity of the guest experience and the well-being of our community. Please see “Prohibited Activities and Items” below.

• We have a complimentary coat and bag check service in both the Museum and Forum buildings.

• Collapsible umbrellas should be stored in bags or purses while inside. Full-size umbrellas must be checked at Coat Check. 

• To protect our artifacts, please carry backpacks by hand or wear them on your front when near exhibits or check them at Coat Check.

• Large  bags and luggage must be checked. Please note that we can only accommodate these items in the Forum Coat Check.

• Doublewide strollers and all Segways, wagons, scooters and bicycles cannot be coat checked.  Please use bike racks located outside, or leave at home. 

• Coat Check is unable to accept open food or beverage items, flowers or balloons.

• Pencils and pens are allowed in the Museum Galleries, but materials such as markers, crayons, glue, glitter, and other arts-and-crafts materials are not. Defacing property will result in immediate removal from the premises.

• Guests are not allowed to take personal, non-flash, non-commercial photos during soft opening unless otherwise noted. 

• Drone use of any kind is not permitted.

• Commercial and professional photography is prohibited without prior authorization. During your visit to the Center, you may be filmed, videotaped or photographed by or on behalf of The Obama Foundation. Your entry to the campus serves as permission for use of your image by The Obama Foundation.

• At the Obama Presidential Center Library Branch, please follow library guidelines regarding computer use, library card access, and material checkout. A full list of Chicago Public Library’s policies can be found here (Opens in a new tab) .

• Guests  are welcome to breastfeed or bottle-feed anywhere on campus. Our Wellness Rooms are available if you prefer a private area.

• Service animals are welcome indoors, but pets and emotional support animals are only allowed on outdoor grounds of the campus. For more information, refer to our Accessibility Guide . 

• Strollers are permitted in most areas, but avoid using them on escalators for safety.

• Wheeled devices (other than mobility aids) are not allowed.

• If you're not feeling well, please stay home, and click the “Reschedule” option in your ticket confirmation email. 

• The Obama Presidential Center adheres to current health regulations. Please follow local guidelines during your visit.

• As part of President and Mrs. Obama's commitment to health and sustainability, the campus is WELL Health & Safety rated, LEED Platinum, and Sustainable SITES Initiative certified.

• For dining options on campus, visit our Dining offerings .

• Seating in the Cafe and Restaurant is reserved for customers only.

• Food and drinks are allowed in designated campus areas, but not in Museum Galleries or the Chicago Public Library branch. Food and beverage items may be stored in sealed containers and left at Coat Check when exploring the Museum or Library.

• Beverages for children are only permitted in designated food and drink areas.

• Grilling is only allowed in designated outdoor BBQ areas. Please ensure that all equipment is used safely and responsibly. Open flames or cooking devices, such as charcoal grills, are not permitted outside these designated areas.

• Please dispose of all trash and recyclables in the designated bins.

• Supervise children at all times.  The Foundation does not provide supervision.

• Always check for hot play surfaces and other hazards before letting children play.  Sun-heated play surfaces can cause serious burns within seconds.

• Remove helmets, drawstrings, necklaces and other accessories around children's necks – they create significant risk of injury or death.

• Use equipment properly and stay within designated areas.

• Use caution on playground equipment installed over hard surfaces. Falls can result in serious injury.

• No use of food, glass, gum.

• No pets.

• No bicycles, scooters, skateboards, smoking, vaping, alcohol, or drugs.

• The Foundation is not responsible for unattended items. 

• Please review our event policy prior to attending and participating in events or programs on campus. 

Engaging in these behaviors may result in your removal from the Obama Presidential Center campus. Violations perceived as criminal will be reported to local authorities.

• Offensive, abusive or threatening language or behavior towards other guests or Obama Presidential Center staff

• Refusing to follow staff directions

• Fighting, provoking a fight or engaging in disorderly or boisterous conduct

• Tampering with, defacing, damaging, destroying or removing any Obama Presidential Center property including exhibits or artifacts

• Blocking entrances or walkways, or leaving items unattended

• Wearing or otherwise displaying profane, obscene or injurious language, texts or graphics on clothing or elsewhere on the person

• Indecent exposure, sexual acts or behavior

• Solicitation

• Distribution of propaganda, gathering petition signatures, distributing leaflets, or holding press conferences is prohibited without authorization

• Conducting unauthorized tours on campus. If interested in becoming a contracted tour partner, please learn more about becoming an official partner with the Obama Presidential Center.

• Smoking, vaping, outside alcohol, and other controlled substances are strictly prohibited across the campus.

• Unauthorized use of amplified music, loudspeakers, or sound systems are not permitted indoors or in public spaces like the Plaza.

• Unauthorized entry or repeated violation of safety barriers

• Leaving children under 14, vulnerable adults, or service animals unattended

• Bringing any prohibited items (listed below)

Prohibited Items

• Firearms (law enforcement and on-duty security personnel excepted)

• Weapons, including knives, pepper spray and stun guns/tasers

• Prop weapons

• Full-face covering unless worn for medical or religious reasons; note that  security may request a brief identity verification if necessary.

• Hazardous materials of any kind

• Explosives, including fireworks

• Drones

• Confetti and helium balloons

• Tripods, selfie sticks, and other professional photography equipment (without prior approval)

• Any other items deemed by staff to be dangerous or inappropriate in a public setting

Enforcement and compliance

• Staff and security reserves the right to deny entry or request removal of any restricted items. Guests who do not comply with this policy may be asked to leave the premises.

Waiver of liability

• By entering the Obama Presidential Center campus, you agree, on behalf of yourself and any minor children accompanying you, to voluntarily assume all risk, including the risk of personal injury (including death) or illness, the risk of exposure to communicable diseases including COVID-19, or the risk of lost, stolen or damaged property, arising from or related to your entry into the Center and participation in any activities on the campus. In addition, you agree that The Obama Foundation will not be responsible for any such injury or illnesses, property damage or other loss and The Obama Foundation is released and discharged from such liability to the fullest extent of the law.

This policy is subject to change without notice. Thank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming experience at the Obama Presidential Center.