Short Visit To The Center
Get A Behind The Scenes Look At The Center With Our Audio Guides
The Obama Presidential Center features 5 audio guides to help you through your journey at the Center. Download the app or follow along online to hear about the art, creation, and story of the campus. The audio guide options also include one specifically curated for children and an Audio Described Guide for those with visual impairments.
Join A Free 15 Minute Spotlight Series Tour
Want a quick look at the Center in less than 20 minutes? Our Spotlight Series Tour offers insight into everything from campus construction to art. Locations on campus vary weekly, so check our tour page to see what’s on.
Stroll Through The Women’s Garden
Begin your trip to the Center at the peaceful Women’s Garden originally constructed in 1937 by May Adams. On your walk, visit Torch Song , a bronze sculpture by Alison Saar celebrating the powerful legacy of Black female musicians.
Pop By the Official Obama Portrait
Pop into the Museum’s Hope and Change Lobby to view The Obamas: Springing Forth . This new artwork by Njideka Akunyili Crosby incorporates photographs, imagery, objects that reflect the Obamas’ lives and experiences.
Take A Selfie With President and Mrs. Obama’s Inauguration Statue
Grab a picture with a statue commemorating the moment President and Mrs. Obama greeted the crowds during the 2008 inaugural parade. Visitors are welcomed to take a picture with the statue but the line can be up to 30 minutes long, so plan accordingly.
Experience The Energy Of The John Lewis Plaza
Enjoy performances from local DJs, take in a movie showing, or join a karaoke session at the Plaza. While there visit Bending the Arc , a sculpture by Martin Puryear that honors the legacy of American Civil Rights leaders.
See Maya Lin’s Newest Sculpture
Head to the Ann Dunham Water Terrace, created to honor President Obama’s mother and discover Seeing Through the Universe , a sculpture by renowned artist Maya Lin. The sculpture features two 10,000-pound stones and a water element inspired by the relationship between the President and Mrs. Obama.
Pop By The President’s Reading Room
Discover some of President Obama and Mrs. Obama’s favorite books at the President’s Reading Room. This curated room highlights novels, biographies, and stories of trailblazers who shaped our culture, handpicked by President and Mrs. Obama.
Gather At The Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit And Vegetable Garden
Walk through the Garden and learn about the agricultural history of Illinois, importance of community gardening, and the legacy of the White House gardens of Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama.
Our Neighborhood
Whether you're visiting Chicago for the first time or are a lifelong local, uncover the restaurants, events, and premier hotels on the South Side.
Directions & Parking
Whether you are a Chicago native or from out of town, find the best way to reach the Center by car, bus, or train.
Programs and Events
Discover a range of free shows, workshops, performances, and classes hosted year-round.
Museum Tickets
Secure your entry to the Obama Presidential Center Museum and experience the story of American democracy through the inspiring journey of our 44th President and First Lady.
Dining
Grab a bite to eat at our casual cafe, or at our counter-service, sit-down restaurant, Tafari’s Kitchen. Review our menus before heading to the Center.
Shop
Take home exclusive merchandise inspired by the city of Chicago, President Obama’s 2008 campaign, the First Family’s time in the White House, and more.
Audio Guide
Explore the campus through a series of audio guides voiced by favorites including Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey and former first lady Michelle Obama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers to everything you need to know about tickets, hours, policies, visitor policies, and more.
Tours at the Center
Sign-up for one of our tour options to get an inside look at the campus.
