First look stories

A closeup of Julie Mehretu’s glass installation, “Uprising of the Sun.”
  • The Arts
  • Building the Center
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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Julie Mehretu, a woman with a light skin tone and short curly black hair, stands in between two carts full of paint and art supplies. She is wearing red metallic pants.
  • The Arts
  • Building the Center
Monumental painted-glass window, “Uprising of the Sun,” will welcome visitors to the Obama Presidential Center

Julie Mehretu's 83-foot-high installation is inspired by President Obama’s remarks at the 50th anniversary of the marches from Selma to Montgomery.

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A rendering of the Library at the Obama Presidential Center. People of all ages and ranges of light to deep skin tones read books at different sections of the library.
  • Building the Center
  • Community Engagement
Sneak peek: the Chicago Public Library at the Obama Presidential Center

This unique partnership is the first of its kind and will feature digital media spaces and educational resources for kids and adults.

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A rendering of the outside front of Home Court from Stony Island Avenue. It is daylight in the picture. Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center is a large silver and glass building, with large rectangular windows covering the majority of the front of the building and two large inverted silver triangles of metal cladding interrupting the glass on the side. In front of the building are green shrubs and trees planted along a pedestrian walkway. To the left of the building is a large patch of grass surrounded by a pedestrian walkway. To the right of the building are tall green trees. On the pedestrian pathways are several people walking, standing, and sitting. There is a bicycle rack on the pedestrian walkway.
  • Building the Center
  • Community Engagement
NBA-size courts, gymnasium and community space to open in 2025

See the plans for the 45,000-square-foot multipurpose athletic and events facility coming to the Obama Presidential Center.

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A view of the Museum Building rising to the sky on the site of the Obama Presidential Center. Cranes are in the sky as work continues on the garage rooftop. Construction equipment is scattered throughout.
  • Building the Center
  • Chicago
Construction update Oct. 2023: Granite panels are going up

The days may be getting cooler, but things are heating up at the Obama Presidential Center!

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Brandon Breaux, a Black man with a deep skin tone, stands over five seated students. On the table is an iPad and illustrations. He is wearing a mint beanie. Space art is on the wall in the background.
  • The Arts
  • Chicago
An ode to Chicago: the Obama Presidential Center mural

Artist Brandon Breaux and Dyett High School students showcase the power of culture and community.

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  • Building the Center
  • Barack Obama
President Obama announces programs wing at the Obama Presidential Center
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A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.
  • The Center
  • Building the Center
Future water garden to honor Ann Dunham, be graced by Maya Lin sculpture

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

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A group of baton twirlers smile to camera for a group photo.
  • Building the Center
  • Michelle Obama
A message from Michelle Obama: honoring Hadiya Pendleton at the Obama Presidential Center

In a special message, former First Lady Michelle Obama reflects on the life of Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton, who was killed by gun violence in 2013. She also shared how the late teen will be honored at the Obama Presidential Center.

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A rendering of the Obama Presidental Center's campus with greenland, trees, and water around the campus.
  • Building the Center
  • Chicago
Enhancing Jackson Park: Take a look at before and after

We’re excited for what the Center will mean for the community and wanted to share a glimpse of our plans and how the Park will change to better support the community and visitors from around the country and the world.

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An illustration of four people with a range of light to deep skin tones lifting one another up on top of a paper plane. The background is pink.

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