A World-Class Cultural Destination at Home on Chicago’s South Side
By The Obama Foundation
For generations, the 500-acre historic Jackson Park has been a natural oasis for Chicagoans—a place to wander its tree-lined paths, find serenity along the lakefront and immerse oneself in nature within the city’s South Side. Soon, it will also be home to the Obama Presidential Center, a 19.3-acre campus designed to inspire and drive action, drawing visitors from around the world while revitalizing this historic park and connecting deeply with the community it serves.
When former President Barack Obama announced that his presidential center would be built in Jackson Park, it was a homecoming. The South Side is where he built his career as a community organizer, where he taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago, where he married Michelle Obama and where they began their family before stepping onto the national stage.
We know, as REALTORS®, you do more than help clients buy and sell homes—you shape neighborhoods, foster community connections and contribute to the vibrancy of the areas you serve. As we near the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, we recognize that this center brings new opportunities for economic growth, local engagement and community enrichment. By understanding the vision behind this historic development, you’ll be better equipped to educate your clients on the evolving landscape of Chicago, position yourself as a knowledgeable advocate for homeownership in the area and highlight the ways in which world-class amenities and investments like this enhance our neighborhoods.
Designed with purpose
Construction for the Obama Presidential Center is well underway, and the world class museum plans to open its doors in 2026. Once complete, the center is expected to draw tourists, students and locals alike who will explore its museum, stroll through its gardens and gather in its public spaces designed to spark connection and dialogue. More than just a place to look back at history, the Center is intended to empower visitors to take action, build community and build the future.
The architecture itself tells a story. The museum building rises with an intentional sense of movement, as if reaching upward from its roots. Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in collaboration with Chicago’s own Dina Griffin, the building is inspired by the idea of four hands coming together, symbolizing the collective effort required to build something long-lasting and enduring.
A Space That Tells A Story
The museum’s exterior will highlight key text from President Obama’s speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches—a reminder of the arc of progress and the role that ordinary people play in shaping history. Inside, the museum will bring the story of the Obama presidency to life through a mix of artifacts, interactive exhibits and digital storytelling.
Visitors will see, firsthand, dresses worn by Michelle Obama during key moments in history, step inside a replica of the Oval Office and immerse themselves in moments from the campaign trail. A four-story multimedia installation called “Power of Words” will celebrate the impact of language as a force for change, while the top-floor Sky Room will offer sweeping views of Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago and the city’s sprawling South Side.
The John Lewis Plaza, named for the late congressman and civil rights leader, will serve as a central gathering space, hosting outdoor performances, markets and community events. Nearby, a performance hall named for Elie Wiesel will provide a stage for storytelling and cultural exchange. A fruit and vegetable garden, honoring Eleanor Roosevelt and inspired by Michelle Obama’s White House garden, will promote healthy living while serving as a place to learn and grow.
Located on the southern end of the campus, Home Court, a 45,000-square-foot athletic center, designed by Moody Nolan, and built by a joint venture led by BOWA Construction, will be open to the public and accessible to students from Hyde Park Academy and across Chicago. It is an investment in the next generation, a place where young people can play, train and build leadership skills through sports and mentorship programs. Home Court’s multipurpose gymnasium can also serve as a venue for community events, school functions and recreational leagues, reinforcing its role as a space for connection and opportunity.
Art will be a defining element of the campus, with over 20 original works integrated into its design. Among them is Uprising of the Sun by artist Julie Mehretu, inspired by a quote from President Obama’s speech marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches, serving as an abstract exploration of history and transformation. The transparent installation spans approximately 83 feet in height and 25 feet in width and will be a focal point of the campus as part of the Museum building’s exterior, encouraging visitors to thoughtfully engage in dialogue about progress and change.
A Model of Sustainability
Obama Presidential Center is a model for sustainable development through a combination of innovation and ingenuity. It is designed to operate as a carbon-neutral institution, sourcing 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the Garden Pavilion and Home Court, while all buildings will achieve LEED v4 Platinum, ITES Silver and International WELL Building Institute Health-Safety Rating certification, ensuring energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The Center’s commitment to sustainability extends to its landscape architecture. The surrounding green spaces will feature native plantings that promote biodiversity and support local wildlife. Rain gardens and permeable surfaces will manage stormwater naturally, reducing runoff and contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. These efforts not only minimize the Center’s environmental footprint but also create a vibrant, living landscape for the community to enjoy.
The landscape will also feature a water garden – a serene and symbolic space honoring Ann Dunham, President Obama’s mother, and her lifelong dedication to global development and community empowerment. Designed by renowned artist and architect Maya Lin, the garden will feature a sculptural water installation that reflects Dunham’s passion for supporting small-scale artisans and entrepreneurs, particularly in Indonesia. Lin, known for her work blending nature and history, will create a contemplative piece that integrates water, light and movement, offering visitors a place for reflection and inspiration. This garden will be a key element of the Obama Presidential Center’s commitment to storytelling, paying tribute to Dunham’s impact while reinforcing themes of sustainability, cultural heritage and resilience.
A Hub for Community and Progress
More than a museum, the Obama Presidential Center is designed for community engagement, learning and shared experiences. A key feature of this vision is the inclusion of a new Chicago Public Library branch—the first of its kind within a presidential center.
This branch of the Chicago Public Library will provide state-of-the-art digital media labs, children’s programming and dedicated spaces for job training, mentorship and career development. Local students from Hyde Park Academy and residents across Chicago will have access to resources aimed at fostering innovation and lifelong learning. The library will serve as a hub for community engagement, offering programs that cater to learners of all ages. Early literacy initiatives will support young children and their families, while teen-focused workshops will provide opportunities for creative expression and skill development. Adults will benefit from resume-building sessions, technology classes and small business resources, ensuring that the library meets the evolving needs of the community.
The Center’s campus will also serve as a recreational space for families in the surrounding communities. A fully inclusive playground—designed to be accessible to children of all abilities—will provide an environment where every child can play, explore and grow together. The playground will feature sensory-rich equipment, wheelchair-accessible structures and quiet spaces for children who may become overstimulated, ensuring that all children can enjoy the space in a way that meets their needs.
Nearby, a sprawling green space will invite families to gather for picnics, host summer barbecues and enjoy the great outdoors in their own neighborhood. The open lawns will be ideal for recreational sports, while nearby forest trails will offer a peaceful retreat for reading or relaxation.
One of the most exciting new features coming to the Center is the sledding hill, a project inspired by Michelle Obama’s vision to create a space for families on the South Side to enjoy the snowy Chicago winter. Recognizing the need for more places where children and families can play, gather and enjoy the outdoors, she envisioned a space that could bring joy not just in the winter but year-round.
During the winter, the hill will serve as a premier sledding destination, giving local children a dedicated spot to experience the thrill of racing down the snowy slopes—something that has long been missing in this part of the city. When the weather warms up, the same hill will transform into an open-air amphitheater, creating a vibrant space for community events, live performances and movies in the park. Families and neighbors will be able to spread out on the grass under the stars, enjoying films on a large outdoor screen, making summer nights in Jackson Park even more special.
The Center’s landscape is designed to bring people together, whether for family gatherings, school groups or community events. The combination of structured and unstructured spaces ensures that people of all ages can find ways to engage, connect and enjoy the space.
Getting Ready for 2026
As the Obama Presidential Center moves closer to completion, it is poised to become a defining Chicago landmark—a place that celebrates history while shaping the future. Built on the belief that history is not something that simply happens to us—it is something we shape together, the Center is more than just a museum—it is a call to action, a space for community and a beacon of progress for generations to come.
Follow along with construction updates and announcements at obama.org in the “The Center” section of the website. The City of Chicago’s website will continue to update residents on construction updates and road work, as well as other updates on projects corresponding with this construction.
The Obama Foundation
A Vision for Change
At the heart of the Obama Presidential Center is The Obama Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering and connecting the next generation of leaders. The Foundation operates several key initiatives designed to drive social change and create opportunities for young people worldwide.
The Foundation will create a space where visitors can learn about real-world challenges and actively participate in solutions. Through immersive exhibits, interactive workshops and engagement opportunities, the Center will not only tell the story of leadership and progress but also serve as a catalyst for new generations through the following programs.
- The Obama Foundation Scholars Program brings together rising leaders from around the world for a yearlong academic and leadership development experience. By fostering a network of global changemakers, the program ensures that young leaders have the resources and support to amplify their impact.
- The Obama Leaders Program is designed to empower emerging leaders committed to driving positive change in their communities. The program provides participants with practical training, networking opportunities and mentorship to help them expand their impact in areas such as civic engagement, social justice and public service.
- The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is dedicated to supporting boys and young men of color, providing them with the mentorship, job training and leadership development needed to thrive.
- The Girls Opportunity Alliance works to advance education and leadership opportunities for adolescent girls around the world. Recognizing that access to education is a key driver of economic mobility and social progress, the initiative supports grassroots organizations that help young women overcome barriers to learning through scholarships, mentorship and advocacy resources.
To learn more about these programs, visit obama.org/programs.