The Obama Presidential Center debuts as a global hub for hope and change. Learn More

Our mission is to inspire,
empower,
and connect people
to change their world.
About us

The Obama Presidential Center

GRAND OPENING Celebrate with us starting June 18, 2026

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The opening of the Obama Presidential Center will be a celebration of the power of ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things. From our next door neighbors to our community online, we invite you to celebrate this milestone through a week of moments designed to inspire action on campus and across the world.

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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 blue and green colored illustration of community members of al ages interacting at Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center.
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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A group of young men with a range of light to dark skin tones sit in a circle with President Obama. President Obama is wearing a shirt and tie, Some wear shirts have white text that reads "BAM.” The walls behind them are decorated with a bulletin board that includes flags and other posters.
  • Stories
  • MBK Alliance
MBK Alum goes from meeting President Obama to mentoring young men
Math teacher Lazarus Daniels met President Obama in 2013. Now a leader at Urban Prep Charter Academy, his journey reflects the long-term impact of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.
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Nika Kovač, a white woman with a light skin tone, holds a closed-lip smile. She is wearing a tan jacket and a black shirt that reads “My Voice, My Choice.” She has brown hair and bangs and is wearing pink lipstick.
  • Programs
  • Stories
Obama Leader and Scholar advances reproductive rights in Europe
Nika Kovač's "My Voice, My Choice" pushed the EU to advance reproductive rights, expanding access to safe abortion for millions.
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A panel of five women physicians smile on stage as they speak to the crowd of leaders during the Alliance’s Chicago convening. The women have a range of light to dark skin tones, and are wearing blazers and dresses.
  • Programs
  • Stories
Girls Opportunity Alliance convenes over 100 girl-serving leaders to build connection and collaboration
See how the Alliance is bringing together Chicagoland leaders for shared learning, reflection, and inspiration.
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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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Programs

Empowering the next generation of changemakers.

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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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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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