Campus
The Obama Presidential Center is an awe-inspiring 19.3 acre campus nestled within Chicago’s historic Jackson Park. Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, this campus will be a global hub for inspiration, action, and community.
The John Lewis Plaza
Upon arriving, visitors will be welcomed into the heart of the Center—a public plaza that serves as a place for the Foundation and our neighbors to host informal and planned gatherings alike. Anchored by public art, the Plaza will connect the Forum, Library and Museum buildings, and be a space to host outdoor performances, markets, and fairs, named in honor of the late civil rights leader and Congressman, John Lewis.
The Forum
The Forum building will serve as a place to welcome the local community—a commons designed to bring people together. Largely built into the landscape of Jackson Park, the Forum will feature numerous collaborative and creative spaces, including the Hadiya Pendleton Winter Garden, the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, a recording studio, flexible program rooms and a restaurant. It will also provide plenty of spaces for people to relax, eat, do their homework, or play a game of chess.
The Hadiya Pendleton Winter Garden
The Winter Garden is named in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teen who died by gun violence shortly after participating in President Obama’s second inauguration activities with her majorette squad. The long, rectangular space spans the western face of the Forum Building with large windows that look out to the Plaza, and it includes a platform for performances and small gatherings, and spaces to sit and enjoy casual connections.
The Elie Wiesel Auditorium
The Auditorium, a signature space at the Center and also located in the Forum, is named in honor of Holocaust survivor and political activist, Elie Wiesel. Inspired by programming in the East Room of the White House during the Obama Presidency, the Auditorium is where the arts and humanities will come to life and dynamic speakers and performers from the South Side of Chicago, across the country, and around the world will reach the world.
The Museum
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The Museum building will be a new landmark for the South Side, welcoming visitors to Jackson Park and marking the Center as an historic civic destination. The Museum building design embodies the idea of ascension—of a movement upward from the grassroots. Its form Gis inspired by the idea of four hands coming together; a recognition that many hands shape a place.
Help Preserve History
The Barack Obama Foundation is actively seeking materials for acquisition consideration and potential display at the Obama Presidential Center Museum on Chicago’s South Side.
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Chicago Public Library Branch
A new branch of the Chicago Public Library will feature interactive digital media spaces and amenities for children, informational and vocational resources for adults, and a reading room for all to enjoy. This unique partnership is the first of its kind and will provide almost every South Side resident with access to a public library within walking distance.
World-renowned artist and Chicago native Richard Hunt’s “Book Bird” sculpture will be placed in the garden outside of the new Chicago Public Library branch on the Obama Presidential Center campus.
The Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit & Vegetable Garden
Similar to the garden that Mrs. Obama planted at the White House, this one will be a place where young people and community members can get their hands dirty and learn about growing fruits and vegetables—and there will even be a few bee hives for honey.
Home Court
Anchoring the southwest corner of our campus in Jackson Park, Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center will serve as a place for active community engagement and enrichment.
As one of several hubs at the Presidential Center, this 45,000 square foot multipurpose space will act as a venue for a variety of youth and adult programming, professional conferences, and community events for organizations.
The introspective and intimate Ann Dunham Water Garden will honor the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother.
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The Obama Presidential Center will feature a Wetland Walk, which will capture stormwater that will be treated and reused to irrigate the landscape.
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A dynamic two-acre play area will be a memorable place for children of all ages.
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The Great Lawn is a place for sledding in the winter, picnics in the summer, and to gather for movies in the park.
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Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center will serve as a place for active community engagement and enrichment.
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More about the Obama Presidential Center
Read the latest updates and see photos of this historic project as it’s built.
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Neighbors We Love in the Community
Learn how community engagement is key to building the Obama Presidential Center.
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