President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, will inaugurate the Obama Presidential Center with a livestreamed ceremony on Thursday. Situated on nearly 20 acres in Chicago’s Jackson Park, the center offers various outdoor and indoor features. Visitors can enjoy free park and garden spaces outside, while inside, amenities include a museum, dining options, a full-size NBA basketball court, and a public library.
Location and Transportation
The Obama Presidential Center is located at 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
Best Transportation Options:
- By CTA Bus: Buses No. 6 Jackson Park Express, No. 10 Obama Presidential Center/Museum of Science & Industry Express, No. 15 Jeffery Local, and No. 28 Stony Island stop directly at the campus. Check transitchicago.com for more information.
- By “L” Train: From the north, exit at Garfield Boulevard station on the Red and Green lines. From the south, use the 63rd Street station on the Red line or Cottage Grove station on the Green line to connect to a bus route.
- By Metra: The nearest Metra Electric stops are at 59th Street (University of Chicago) and 63rd Street. Visit metra.com for schedules.
- Rideshare: Drop-off and pickup spots are on Stony Island Avenue in front of the campus.
- By Bike: Divvy stations and bike racks are found on Stony Island Avenue at 56th and 64th streets.
Parking: On-site parking is available in the center’s garage, which has limited capacity. Access is via Stony Island Avenue. Payment is made using the Metropolis app, and rates vary. Accessible parking is provided.
Operational Hours
Campus: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Museum: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Last entry is at 4 p.m., except on Mondays, which is at 7 p.m.
Ticket Information
Timed museum tickets can be reserved at tickets.obama.org. Each reservation allows up to nine tickets but are non-transferable. Access to the playground, public library, and parks is free and open daily.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults (12+ years): $30; Illinois residents pay $26.
- Children (3-11 years): $23; Illinois residents pay $15.
- Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday, but tickets are sold out through November.
- Discounted rates are available for educators, school groups, military personnel and their families, and first responders, requiring advance purchase.
Guided Tours: Available, with more details on dining, events, and tours at tickets.obama.org/events.