Yet-To-Open Obama Presidential Center Shares Peek Into Its Museum, Public Spaces

Having broken ground in September 2021, the Obama Presidential Center is now revealing a sneak peek of what it’ll look like when it officially opens in 2025.

Designed by architects Todd Williams and Billie Tsien, the museum and public space is situated on the South Side of Chicago, and will take its place as a historic civic destination. 

On its exterior, the museum’s design taps on the theme of ascension, with four hands coming together to express the idea that it takes a collaborative effort to shape a place, and encourages the upward movement of young people right from the grassroots level.

At the top, the museum will feature a Sky Room, which will allow visitors to pause and reflect as they take in panoramic views of Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago, and the West and South of the city. 

Within the building, several exhibits will be constructed to bring visitors on a journey of the American Story, from the start of the founding documents up to the former President’s election, and how the campaign played out over the course of his eight years in office. 

Additionally, the Center will feature a Winter Garden, a bright and cozy space where visitors can relax, connect, and enjoy, as well as a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, an Activity Center, a Children’s Play Area, and the Women’s Garden and Wetland Walk. 

Elsewhere, The Forum building integrates into Jackson Park, providing numerous collaborative and creative spaces—including an auditorium, broadcast studio, and meeting rooms—for the local community to come together in a free and open space. 

The outdoor public plaza, located at the heart of the Center, will be home to the Foundation and gatherings involving public artwork, performances, markets, and seasonal fairs. 

While we’re still years away from seeing the Center completed, here’s a special reveal video of the text that could appear on the south-facing facade of the Obama Presidential Center Museum. 

[via Hypebeast and The Obama Presidential Center, images via The Obama Presidential Center]