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The Obama Presidential Center is Much More Than a Presidential Library

At the Obama Foundation, our mission is to inspire people to take action, empower them to make positive change in the world, and connect these people to each other because, as we all know, we are stronger united than we are apart. Our goal is for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) to embody all parts of this mission and inspire others to take it on themselves.

The OPC will be a center for our mission to thrive and grow. Through the programming at the four main buildings—the Obama Presidential Museum, the Forum, the Chicago Public Library, and the Program, Activity and Athletic Center—the Center will be a place for anyone, whether they are born and bred South Side residents or travelers from Memphis, to be inspired, empowered and connected.

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The Obama Presidential Museum, which will be the only ticketed portion of the OPC, will host exhibitions that tell the story of the Obamas, starting from their early days in the South Side of Chicago all the way through the presidency. On the top floor of the museum, there will be a reflective space with views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

The Forum will be the main public building, boasting community gathering spaces and areas for public programming.. Included in the Forum will be a 300-seat auditorium, inspired by President Obama’s East Room programming during his presidency. The auditorium will host group and individual performances,  and lectures, all primarily for public audiences. The OPC is designed  is to bring in people who have ties to the community, whose work follows the theme of community engagement, or those whose presence will allow our South Side neighbors the chance to see renowned acts.

On the lower levels of the Forum, there will be programming rooms varying in size to fit up to 100 people. These rooms will be used for some Foundation events, but will also be available to community members to utilize for community meetings and programming.

The Forum will also include a full music recording studio as well as a broadcast studio. The suite will be used for Foundation programs and production but we plan to also partner with local organizations to create youth programming.  

A teaching kitchen will also be Included in the Forum to complement the community garden just outside. Our goal is to provide hands-on culinary education for the public, paying homage to Mrs. Obama’s garden at the White House. The garden and kitchen will be curated and staffed by professionals, however, we also expect volunteers from the community as well as tours and programming, such as classes on food sustainability, healthy eating and gardening.

Written by By Sahi Padmanabhan