Forum Building rentals

Nestled into the varied landscape of Jackson Park, the Forum Building is a vibrant space of exchange, co-creation, and transformation. Its collaborative and creative spaces are brought to life by inspiring artwork, views of the Plaza, and two stunning courtyards. 

Rentals in the Forum Building include the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, the Hadiya Pendleton Winter Garden, flexible programming rooms in the Democracy in Action Lab, the recording studios of the Media Suite, and Restaurant. 

The Forum Building is also available for full, private rental.

Named after Nobel Prize winner and human rights activist Dr. Elie Wiesel, the Auditorium stage is where your guests can see art come to life. With state of the art built-in audio equipment and video cameras, as well as production control facilities, you can record and livestream your events.

Overview

• 299 capacity, auditorium seating

• three-quarter modified thrust stage

• Daytime and evening events

• Level 1

• 4,100 square feet

• Includes Green Room and Production Control Room

Perfect for:

• Performances, live or recorded

• Panels

• Entertainment-oriented events

• Presentations

• Large-scale business and shareholder meetings

Audiovisual amenities:

• 244” Direct View LED video wall

• Assisted Listening System (ALS)

• Electro-acoustic enhancement system

• Immersive audio system

• Front-of-house mixing location

• Audio description and production suites (lighting, paging, distribution, broadcast)

• Lectern with external display and control panel

• Google Meet integration for video conferencing

• Back of house and production intercom systems

• Wireless handheld and lavalier microphones

• Fully configurable PTZ cameras

• Blu-Ray player

This vibrant campus space, honoring late Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton, is a light-filled, lively venue perfect for casual and semi-casual events. Located at the entry point of the Forum, the Garden boasts large windows overlooking the John Lewis Plaza. Iconic artwork spans the length of the space and there is a platform for performances.

The Winter Garden can be rented as a whole for a private event, or  as a semi-private event in only the north end or south end. Guest amenities, including restrooms and a coat room, are adjacently located.

Overview

• Full rental: 300 capacity

• Semi-private: 150 capacity

• Available during daytime hours for semi-private events, after 5 p.m. for full buyout private events 

• Level 1

• 2,900 square feet

• Includes a platform for performances

• Theatrical lighting possible

Perfect for:

• Cocktail hours

• Small, semi-private events

• Gala receptions

Audiovisual amenities:

• Music available via ceiling loudspeakers

• Strong points and unistrut with cable cove

• Stage lighting and audiovisual  boxes distributed throughout

Give your guests flexibility to spread out across up to seven rooms! These supportive spaces are perfect for intentional conversations, ideation, innovation, and collaboration. 

Four of the rooms can be combined into a single space. Three rooms along the west side include views into the Forum Courtyards.

Overview

• Up to 299 capacity, depending on set up and number of rooms utilized

• Available during daytime hours for semi-private events, after 5 p.m. for private events 

• Lower Level

• Up to 1,700 square feet across seven rooms

Perfect for:

• Workshops

• Community meetings

• Student groups

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Corporate meetings

• Luncheons

• Theater-style events

Audiovisual amenities:

• Assisted Listening System (ALS)

• Ceiling-mount loudspeakers

• Local input and PC in credenza

• Projectors and projection screen

• Ceiling-mounted PTZ cameras

• Handheld wireless microphones

• Blu-Ray player

• Google Meet hardware

• Divisible walls

• Integrated control panels

Host your next performance or podcast in The Obama Presidential Center Media Suite! This modern, high-tech space gives your guests access to creative tools and can accommodate a small stage or performance set-up. 

Rental of the Main Studio can accommodate a full stage set-up for a multi-instrumental band, or a small stage set up for an audience up to 100. The Small Studio is available for rental as a more intimate place to conduct one-on-one interviews, or podcast recordings

Both spaces include access to the Production Control Room. 

An adjacent Green Room with two dressing rooms may be added to this space for an additional fee.

Overview

• Main Studio, 100 capacity

• Lower Level

Perfect for:

• Small performances

• Podcast or radio recording

• Live broadcast: podcast, radio, panel

Audiovisual amenities:

• Assisted Listening System (ALS)

• Robust patching between Production Control Room and Main Studio

• Distributed lighting

• Intercom system

• Paging system

• 55” display in corridor

Inspired by Mrs. Obama’s close collaboration with White House chefs, the Restaurant is a community table where your guests have the opportunity to build connections through the shared experience of food.

Overview

• 120 capacity, seated

• Level 1

• Includes access to tables, chairs and full-scale catering kitchen

• 2200 square feet

Perfect for:

• Family gatherings

• Social events

Audiovisual amenities:

• Music available via ceiling loudspeakers 

The Private Dining Room, located in the Restaurant, is ideal for an intimate dining experience for your guests. Natural daylight from tall, clerestory windows provide an elevated, yet homey, atmosphere.

Overview

• 24 capacity, seated

• Available for day or evening events

• 370 square feet

Perfect for:

• Corporate dinners

• Social events

Audiovisual amenities:

• 75” video display screen

• AV control panel

• Distributed loudspeakers

This picturesque location offers one of the highest outdoor elevations on campus and includes breathtaking views of the Museum Building, the John Lewis Plaza, Wooded Island, and Jackson Park. 

Overview

• 600 capacity, reception-style

• Available for day or evening events, weather permitting

• 2,100 square feet

Perfect for:

• Receptions

• Parties

• Networking events