A look inside new Obama museum ahead of its Juneteenth official opening
Capitol News Illinois • • general
Key Points:
- The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s South Side, opening to the public on Juneteenth, is a nearly 20-acre campus blending political history and community spaces, reflecting former President Barack Obama’s personal and presidential life.
- The museum is the first fully digital presidential museum, featuring interactive exhibits including a life-sized Oval Office replica, and highlights key moments of Obama's presidency and campaigns, emphasizing personal reflection and community engagement.
- Visitors can view and even touch fabric swatches of Michelle Obama’s iconic ballgowns, adding a unique tactile experience to the museum’s collection.
- The campus includes community-focused amenities such as a professional-grade basketball court, a garden designed by Michelle Obama, and public grilling areas, all inspired by the Obamas’ personal interests and Chicago roots.
- Admission costs $30, the highest among U.S. presidential museums, but much of the campus remains free to access, including outdoor spaces and the top floor of the museum tower, with discounts and free days available to ensure broad accessibility.