Obama Presidential Center Opens June 19th in Chicago

Obama Presidential Center Set to Open its Doors

CHICAGO – After more than a decade since its initial announcement, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is officially opening to the public on June 19th, 2024. The announcement was made by former President Barack Obama himself, marking a significant milestone for the landmark institution located on Chicago’s South Side.

A Campus for Hope and Action

The Obama Presidential Center is envisioned not merely as a museum, but as a vibrant campus designed to inspire visitors and foster a sense of hope and agency. “Hope is not about ignoring the hard stuff, it is that thing inside us that insists something better awaits if we’re willing to work for it,” President Obama stated, emphasizing the center’s mission. The expansive campus will feature a world-class museum, a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, extensive public green spaces adorned with art, and an athletic center with a basketball court.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former senior advisor to President Obama, elaborated on the center’s multifaceted nature. “Yes, we will have a presidential museum, but we will also have a forum building with an auditorium, retail stores and restaurants, an athletic center, a Chicago public library, opportunities for people to come out and picnic on a great lawn and enjoy being on Chicago’s lakefront next to the museum of science and industry, nestled in Jackson Park,” Jarrett explained. “So it really is a campus.”

“This is not a monument to the past. It’s a living destination for people who refuse to accept the status quo.” – Barack Obama

Opening Day and Beyond

The public opening is set for June 19th, a date chosen for its significance. Leading up to the public unveiling, there will be exclusive sneak peeks for alumni, stakeholders, community residents, and those involved in the construction and design of the center. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for June 18th, with further activities planned for the subsequent weekend.

Jarrett expressed the foundation’s excitement: “We are so excited. Come on No, blackity-black, they said. Also, Jonathan, we have really wonderful opportunities for our alumni, stakeholders, community residents, people who designed and built this incredible campus. We have a sneak peek in the days leading up to the opening to the public and an opening ceremony on the 18th, and then activities that following weekend. So it’s an exciting time for us.”

A Message for Challenging Times

The opening of the center arrives at a time of considerable national and global challenges. Jarrett addressed the current climate, stating, “It’s at times like this that we have to remind ourselves that hope is hard. Now, this is not something that you do during times that are light. Hope means you’ve got to dig deep and you’ve got to take the long view. And you have to realize that when we work together, just anything is possible.”

The Obama Presidential Center aims to be a space where dialogue and common ground can be found, even among those with differing viewpoints. “We welcome people who have differences of opinions we welcome people who didn’t vote for President Obama to realize that we can find common ground even in these challenging times,” Jarrett added.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

The center’s opening also serves as a moment to reflect on the broader landscape of public service and activism. President Obama’s remarks at the funeral of Reverend Jesse Jackson were highlighted, underscoring Jackson’s impact on empowering marginalized communities. “Jesse didn’t just speak to black folks, he spoke to white folks and blue-collar workers and he gave them the same message that they mattered, that their voices and their votes counted. He invited them to believe, he invited us to believe in our own power to change America for the better,” Obama said.

Valerie Jarrett, who knew Reverend Jackson well, shared her reflections: “Rainbow Busch is literally two blocks from my home, we stand on his shoulders. And I think the message of bringing everyone together and making people who are unseen feel seen be seen is a message that we all should take to heart in our day-to-day lives.”

Inclusivity and Collaboration

Addressing the question of invitations to other former presidents, Jarrett confirmed that the focus is on celebrating those who were part of President Obama’s journey. However, she extended a welcoming gesture: “Should President Trump want to come and tour the Center, President Obama would be delighted for him to do so.” The foundation maintains close relationships with other presidential libraries and foundations, emphasizing a spirit of collaboration rather than political division.

“This isn’t about politics. We can disagree about a lot of issues on policy or politics, but still work together and we have a very close relationship with all of the presidential museums and foundations and so they are all welcome to come and we enjoy working with them and will continue that work through our foundation,” Jarrett stated, citing the collaborative efforts between former presidents on various national initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The Obama Presidential Center is poised to become a significant cultural and educational hub in Chicago, offering a space for inspiration, learning, and civic engagement. As visitors step onto the campus starting June 19th, the hope is that they will carry the center’s message of empowerment and collective action back into their own communities, echoing the enduring spirit of progress championed by President Obama.

Source: ‘Hope is getting a permanent home’: The Weekend's Exclusive look at the Obama Presidential Center (YouTube)