Neighborhood News: “Yes, We Can!” Previewing the new Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park
“You are America. Unconstrained by habit and convention. Unencumbered by what is, ready to seize what ought to be…”
President Barack Obama, 2015
Thursday, June 18 is a day of celebration in Jackson Park as the Obama Presidential Center officially opens its doors at 6001 S. Stony Island Avenue.
The nation’s first African American President and First Lady have a joyous, all-day celebration planned for its opening (stream it live!) today, with performances from Bruce Springsteen to Christina Aguilera to John Legend to Chicago native Common, but as its website says, the eight-story structure is a world-class museum and public gathering space that showcases the South Side of Chicago to the world. The Grand Opening Ceremony Official Watch Party viewing starts at 11am.
The museum officially opens to the public on Friday, June 19, i.e. ‘Juneteenth.’
Though I have limited experience in touring presidential libraries (confined to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield), I feel pretty certain that this is the only presidential center in the country that has a regulation-size basketball court AND a branch of the Chicago Public Library in its vast, 19.3 acre space.
As its mission states, the Center hopes “to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.” The Obama Presidential Center is a place where inspiration and possibility can live.
Spaces for Reflection, with Intention
Each space was designed with intention…to reflect and move forward with greater understanding. With the campus grounds (not the Museum) open from 6am-9pm, you can step onto the John Lewis Plaza for a moment of reflection on the country’s struggle for civil rights.
During business hours, you can take a moment to reflect on the city of Chicago’s quest for peace in the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium. Or, head to the top of the Museum and take in stunning views of the West and South Sides of Chicago in The Sky Room. Draw your own inspiration from the replica of President Obama’s Oval Office.
As you explore the campus, you’ll come across over 25 commissioned art installations that encourage visitors to open their imaginations and reflect on their ability to bring change home. Nearly all of the pieces are outside or in areas that are free to the public during operating hours.
The inside is also home to the Forum, which includes collaborative and creative spaces, including the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, and a Media Suite. The Forum is open daily from 9am– 9 pm.
The exhibits, according to an architectural firm blogsite, explore the fullness of the American story—from the promise of America’s founding documents to the social movements that challenged us to live up to them. Visitors learn about the volunteers who worked on the historic campaign and explore the eight years of progress, setback, and hope that followed.
Open to the Community
Community resources include a winter garden, an auditorium, a restaurant, recording studios, meeting rooms and a 5,000-square-foot Chicago Public Library branch. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors at the Women’s Garden or the Wetland Walk, and the Great Lawn. Take the kids to the ADA-accessible playground. Or, grab a book at the Library. Most importantly, more than half of the space in the Obama Center will be free and open to the public.
According to MSNow, the former president said a display of some of the letters he received from Americans during his eight years in the White House, which he estimated included as many as “40,000 pieces of correspondence” every day, is his favorite exhibit.
Play Ball!
President Obama is likely the only former President to include a full-size basketball court in his presidential center.
Home Court is a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events space designed to strengthen the entire community and motivate people of all ages. It offers programs inspired by President Obama’s belief in the power of sports, mentorship, and connection. These expansive programs focus on well being and health, life and leadership skills, career exploration, and relationship building.
Free Days!
Illinois residents receive FREE General Admission to the Presidential Center Museum every Tuesday from 10am– 5 pm!. To reserve tickets for Illinois Free Days, select a Tuesday time slot, add Illinois Resident General Admission tickets to your cart, and provide your Illinois zip code during checkout. Check fall dates for best availability.
Museum Admission includes access to all four levels of the Museum, the Oval Office, and the Sky Room. Tickets are available on a timed-entry basis for opening through November 30. Check weekdays and fall dates for best availability. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
