Inside the $850 million Obama Presidential Center ahead of its Juneteenth opening
The Barack and Michelle Obama statue outside The Obama Presidential Center in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, May 29, 2026.
Joshua Lott | The Washington Post | Getty Images
For the first time, the public is getting a look inside the long-awaited Obama Presidential Center ahead of its Juneteenth opening on Chicago’s South Side.
The sprawling, 19.3-acre, $850 million campus blends museum exhibits chronicling former President Barack Obama’s political rise and presidency with contemporary art, public gathering spaces, athletic facilities and a branch of the Chicago Public Library.
The center is also poised to redefine the scale of the modern presidential project, setting new marks for construction time, cost and admission price. A general museum ticket will cost $30, making it the most expensive presidential museum or library to visit.
Unlike the libraries of other modern presidents, the Obama center will not be operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Instead, it will be privately run by the Obama Foundation. The distinction gives the center more freedom in how it presents stories and less red tape around funding.Â
The center is also intended to serve as an economic engine for the surrounding community, from hiring local contractors to build the campus to drawing new investment to Chicago’s South Side and West Side neighborhoods.
— CNBC’s Frank Holland contributed to this report.
A drone image of the Obama Presidential Center on June 3, 2026, weeks before it opens to the public in Chicago, Illinois.
Eric Cox | Reuters
People tour the Obama Presidential Center.
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A Hope poster from the campaign of former President Barack Obama.
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Dresses worn by former first lady Michelle Obama are displayed.
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The Obama Presidential Center Branch of the Chicago Public Library.
Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images
The Museum Tower at the Obama Presidential Center is seen in Chicago, on June 3, 2026.
Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images
People tour the Obama Presidential Center.
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A replica of the Obama-era Oval Office is seen in the museum on the Obama Presidential Center campus.
Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images
A magazine cover featuring former President Barack Obama.
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The interior of the Museum Tower at the Obama Presidential Center.
Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images
A basketball court in the Main Court at the Home Court building of the Obama Presidential Center.
Joshua Lott | Reuters
The Obama Presidential Center Branch of the Chicago Public Library.
Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images
The interior wall of the Museum Tower.
Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images
The playground area at the Obama Presidential Center.
Kamil Krzaczynski | Afp | Getty Images
A drone image of the Obama Presidential Center on June 3, 2026, weeks before it opens to the public in Chicago, Illinois.
Eric Cox | Reuters
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