Press Preview Day at the Obama Presidential Center

Photo Cred: The Obama Foundation

If you know me by now you know I LOVE unique and educational experiences. I was able to get a mix of both at the June 3rd, Obama Presidential Center press preview day. I was honored to be invited to join in on the fun. The day offered attending media a chance to walk the museum campus before the official June 19th public opening.

We also attended an on-the-record briefing from Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the of the Obama Foundation

Want to learn more about the Obama Presidential Center before you go? Read on below for more info.

Rooted on the South Side of Chicago, the Obama Presidential Center is a global hub for inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to make change. Located on 19.3 acres in historic Jackson Park, the Center invites visitors of all ages from across the street to around the world to explore the ideas and values that shape our democracy, engage with the story of President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, and be inspired to bring change home to their own communities.

Through dynamic programs, cultural experiences and public spaces, the Center reflects the energy of Chicago and the Obamas’ belief that ordinary people working together can achieve extraordinary things.

The Campus Includes:

Photo Cred: The Obama Foundation

Museum: An immersive 4-floor journey from the founding of the United States, social movements of the 20th century, the Obama campaign and presidency, life in the White House, and culminating in an emphasis on “We The People.”

Forum: A community and civic space, which includes the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, a state-of-the-art recording studio and media suite, Democracy in Action Lab, the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, a restaurant, a cafe, and retail shop.

Chicago Public Library Branch: Includes interactive media area and the Presidential Reading Room.

Home Court: 60,000 sq ft multi purpose space, includes an NBA regulation size court, gymnasium, and community spaces.

John Lewis Plaza: The entry point for the Forum, Museum, and Library buildings, and a space for visitors to gather for performances, programs, and other events.

Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden: Dozen of garden beds with local plants and native vegetables, alongside a garden classroom.

Photo Cred: The Obama Foundation

Playground: A 1.25 acre whimsical destination featuring oversized animal structures of native fauna like the endangered Hine’s Emerald, Dragonfly, child-sized warblers’ nests, a climbing forest, and sun-covered slides.

Sky Room: Panoramic Lake Michigan views from atop the Museum Building, free and open to the public.

The Museum Experience

The museum presents the remarkable story of President and Mrs. Obama, America’s first Black president and First Lady. Dynamic exhibits across four floors explore the promise of democracy, the movements that preceded the Obama’s and the work of the Obama presidency.

Public Art

From the White House to the Obama Presidential Center, President and Mrs. Obama have used the arts as a tool to inspire, empower, and connect people from around the world. Art is a defining element of the Obama Presidential Center experience, with a collection of 28 commissioned works by 30 artist integrated throughout the campus Spanning a range of mediums perspectives, and generations, the collection reflects the diversity of voices and stories that shape American life. Importantly, the majority of these works are freely accessible outdoors, contributing to a broader expansion of public art on Chicago’s South Side and reinforcing the Center’s commitment to making art part of everyday life.

Honoree Named Spaces

The Foundation believes named spaces at the Obama Presidential Center will send a message to hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to visit the campus and inspire them to act in their own communities. Visitors will learn about the leaders and activists who worked to help create a more perfect union and on whose shoulders the Obamas, and so many others stand.

John Lewis Plaza
Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden
Ann Dunham Water Terrace
Elie Wiesel Auditorium
Nancy Pelosi Garden Pavillon
Hadiya Pendleton Atrium
Harold Washington Overlook
Opening the White House (in honor of Marian Robinson), and others

Culinary Experience

Photo Cred: The Obama Foundation

Celebrate connection through food. Visitors will be invited to explore dining options and experience a variety of diverse food options.

Tafari’s Kitchen: Partnership between the South Side’s own Chef Cliff Rome + Bon Appétit Management. The restaurant and cafe rooted in South Side storytelling and honoring the legacy of Tafari Campbell, who died tragically young.
Home Court: Six local South Side catering companies serve onsite garden produce.

This is just some of the amazing experiences to be had at the Obama Presidential Center. You really have to go and experience it for yourself. I was so moved! The Obama Center is transforming decades of disinvestment into opportunity. The Center expects 750,000 to 1 million annual visitors. To plan your visit and to keep up to date on information head to: www.obama.org

Chiataglance Interviews John Roberson: Incoming Executive Vice President of the Obama Presidential Center