Ticket Sales Begin for the Historic Museum
Chicago is preparing for a historic moment as the Obama Presidential Center Museum gets ready to welcome visitors. The Obama Foundation announced that tickets for Founding Members will go on sale April 21, while general public tickets start May 6. Illinois residents can enjoy free entry on Tuesdays starting June 23, with timed tickets available to manage attendance.
The museum will officially open to the public on June 19, offering a mix of free and ticketed experiences across its campus in Jackson Park. This event marks an important celebration of history, culture, and civic engagement for the city and the country.
Explore the Legacy of the Obamas
The museum experience spans four floors, where visitors can explore the Obama presidency and the First Lady’s initiatives through interactive exhibits and immersive storytelling. Highlights include a full-scale replica of President Obama’s Oval Office, opportunities to sit behind the Resolute Desk, and an exhibit featuring Mrs. Obama’s iconic fashion during her time in the White House.
Visitors will also encounter exhibits chronicling the achievements of the Obama administration, short films honoring campaign volunteers, and intimate stories of Americans who connected personally with the president. Each experience is designed to engage, educate, and inspire civic participation.
Campus Features Beyond the Museum
The broader Obama Presidential Center campus offers a variety of free experiences. Guests can explore a playground, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, gardens, walking trails, and 28 newly commissioned artworks. Panoramic views from the Sky Room overlook the South Side neighborhood and Lake Michigan, creating spaces for reflection and community connection.
Special Spotlight Stories allow visitors to enjoy 15-minute guided tours of landmarks like the Women’s Garden, featuring monumental art by Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar, or the Fruit and Vegetable Garden honoring Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama. No reservations are needed for these free sessions, which run multiple times daily.
Membership Benefits and Access
The Founding Membership Program allows supporters to join a community dedicated to inspiring change and offers early access to museum tickets, exclusive content, virtual experiences, and invitations to member gatherings. Membership starts at $75 annually or any monthly donation and provides opportunities to help shape the future of the museum.
All museum tickets are timed-entry and visitors are encouraged to reserve in advance online. Adult tickets are $30, children 3–11 are $23, and children under 2 enter free. Illinois residents receive discounted pricing outside free days: $26 for adults and $15 for children.
Guided Tours and Special Experiences
For those wanting a deeper experience, the Campus Experience Tour provides a 90-minute guided exploration of the Center’s art, architecture, and landscape design. This includes early access to the Oval Office and Sky Room, exclusive non-public areas, and storytelling about the campus’s vision. Prices range from $75 to $95 per person, depending on the day.
The Obama Presidential Center is designed as a place to bring people together, celebrate democracy, and inspire communities. Through its museum, public spaces, and programs, it offers a unique chance to experience history while imagining a future of civic participation.
