The Obama Presidential Center is soon set to open on Chicago’s South Side. This new landmark is not a traditional presidential library. It serves as a campus offering various amenities such as basketball courts, gardens, ball fields, a children’s playground, and a local library branch. The centerpiece is an eight-story museum.
Upon arrival at the museum, visitors are greeted by the word hope, introducing them to numerous art installations within the facility. A notable piece is Mark Bradford’s City of the Big Shoulders, a vibrant artwork visible from the mezzanine to the first floor. Another highlight is This Land, Shared Sky by Nick Cave and Marie Watt, along with layered glass artwork by Julie Mehretu.
Hope and change defined Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. The museum chronicles not just his and the First Lady’s stories, but also the nation’s journey, beginning with the Declaration of Independence. As Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, explains, the exhibits trace American history from suffrage, through slavery, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing how change was driven by ordinary people.
Valerie Jarrett recently addressed the press in the center’s auditorium. She emphasized the center’s role in narrating the nation’s pursuit of a more perfect union, a key theme in Obama’s speeches. One floor details Obama’s first campaign and features a variety of campaign memorabilia. A video segment captures the emotional impact of his election as the nation’s first Black president.
The second level explores movements that influenced the Obamas. Exhibits display artifacts from Obama’s early years and his presidency, like his Nobel Peace Prize and an elementary school art project. Visitors encounter a replica of the Oval Office and selections from Michelle Obama’s wardrobe, including a mix of formal and casual attire.
Oddly absent from the museum is Obama’s tan suit, which sparked debate in 2014. As Jarrett recounted, Obama apparently gave the suit away, now only seen in photographs.
The Center’s narrative resonates with the time of Obama’s presidency, although the political climate has shifted. The Sky Room offers views of Chicago’s surrounding neighborhoods, reminding visitors of the community’s connection to the Center.
Additional exhibits highlight Obama’s achievements, such as the operation that led to Osama bin Laden’s death and the Affordable Care Act. Yet, several policies like the Iran nuclear deal were later reversed. Jarrett hopes visitors leave ready to inspire change once more.
A new Chicago Public Library branch is part of the campus, and a bronze sculpture of the Obamas welcomes visitors in the plaza.