Later this month, the Obama Presidential Center will open its doors on Chicago’s South Side. Recently, NPR and other media outlets had a chance to preview the site, which celebrates the Obama presidency.
Unlike typical presidential libraries, the center is a campus. It features basketball courts, gardens, ball fields, a kids’ playground, a branch of the Chicago public library, and an eight-story museum.
An Immersive Museum Experience
The first word visitors encounter upon entering the museum is “hope.” Throughout the facility, various art installations complement the theme. A notable piece is Mark Bradford’s “City of the Big Shoulders,” a vibrant multimedia installation spanning from the mezzanine to the first floor.
Art enthusiasts will also enjoy artist Nick Cave’s “This Land, Shared Sky,” created with Marie Watt, and Julie Mehretu’s layered glass artwork visible as visitors use the escalators between levels.
Hope and Change: Key Themes
These motifs were central to Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, which propelled him to two terms in office. The museum spans several floors, narrating both the lives of Barack and Michelle Obama and the broader national story, beginning with the Declaration of Independence.
“It begins with the history of our country, the Declaration of Independence, the suffrage movement, slavery, reconstruction, the civil rights movement, all of the different ways in which ordinary people brought about the change that led to his presidency,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation.
The narrative emphasizes how the story of America is a nation striving for a more perfect union, a vision Obama frequently promoted in his speeches.
Key Exhibits and Artifacts
The museum’s first floor focuses on Obama’s initial presidential campaign, highlighting the challenges of the primary election. Visitors can view campaign artifacts, including a collection of buttons and signs. An emotional documentary video also recaptures the spirit of that time, emphasizing the historic significance of his win.
Notably missing from the exhibition is Obama’s tan suit, which once sparked media criticism. Jarrett mentioned Obama saying, “I think I gave it away,” suggesting its absence from display. Instead, visitors find numerous photos of the moment.
Reflecting on a Decade of Change
Although Obama left office nearly a decade ago, his influence remains palpable. The center houses timelines of his major accomplishments, such as the raid that killed Osama bin Laden and the passage of the Affordable Care Act. However, some achievements, like the Iran nuclear deal, were later reversed by his successor.
Beyond the exhibits, the center offers engaging spaces, such as The Sky Room, where visitors can view the South and West Side neighborhoods through the building’s facade text. Level five features “Sky of Hope,” a massive ceiling painting by Idris Khan, encouraging introspection for change.
The Obama Presidential Center is more than a remembrance; Jarrett hopes it inspires guests to drive change, recognizing their potential impact on history.
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