10 Tips for Visiting the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago

Planning a visit to the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago? After visiting a few times I realized this isn’t the type of museum experience you want to rush through.

Whether you’re a local, a tourist, a history enthusiast, or curious about Chicago’s newest museum amongst many others, these tips will help you make the most of your visit.

If you’d like to read my personal reflections on the experience as a Georgia girl living in Chicago, be sure to check out my companion post, Hope History and my Visit to the Obama Center.

Now, let’s get into the tips.

1. Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You’ll Need

This is probably my biggest piece of advice.

The Obama Presidential Center is not a quick stop. I give this place the same advice I give people when they visit Chicago the first time- this is a big place, you cannot see it all on your first visit- nor should you expect to. I live here and there is STILL so much more for me to see. 

Between the museum exhibits, outdoor spaces, gardens, Home Court, library, and various installations, you can easily spend several hours here.

Plan accordingly.

2. Don’t Skip the Outdoor Campus

Many people focus on museum tickets and forget that the outdoor campus is an attraction all by itself. 

Outside- is outside. Meaning you do not have to have tickets to go outside. The architecture, gathering spaces, landscaping, public art, and gardens are worth experiencing even if you never step inside the actual museum. 

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

There is a lot of walking. Even if you consider yourself active, you’ll likely spend hours on your feet moving between exhibits and outdoor spaces. Up and down stairs and elevators. 

I was so grateful that both times I visited I wore comfortable shoes. 

Someone did ask me about accessibility for those who cannot walk as far. There is a LOT of seating available throughout. This is after all a museum. 

4. Read the Exhibits—Don’t Just Walk Past Them

One of the biggest mistakes visitors can make is treating the museum like a photo opportunity.

Yes, there are moments to take photos (and videos) but there are some exhibits that are worth the read. There were a few times where I felt myself getting emotional. Some of the stories, artifacts, videos, and historical context can bring you to tears.

There are also short videos and interactive exhibits for you (and children). 

5. If Accessibility Is a Concern, Plan Ahead

Several people have asked me whether the Obama Presidential Center is accessible.

From what I observed, accessibility was clearly considered throughout the design process. There is braille on the exhibits. You can also contact them ahead of them to ask. There is also a Bo and Sunny exhibit that allows for touch and texture. Perfect for children (and adults!).

If walking long distances is challenging, consider mobility assistance, frequent breaks, or visiting during less crowded times. I was grateful I visited on a day where the crowd was not as large. So I didn’t feel “rushed.” 

6. Visit the Gardens (Trust Me on This One)

It comes as no surprise that I was naturally drawn to the gardens.

But even still- the gardening spaces aren’t just there. They’re apart of the Center’s broader commitment to community engagement and education. For those that are local- there are gardening classes and educational initiatives planned with Urban Growers Collective and the like. 

I even had the opportunity to chat with one of the gardeners and swap gardening stories.

7. Check the Event Calendar Before You Go

One thing that makes the Obama Presidential Center unique is that it’s designed to be a living community space. There are spaces for community events, wellness programs, media programs and so forth. I joked with someone that this about to be the NUMBER ONE field trip visit for the students in Chicago. 

There is so much available technology and classrooms and media access. It isn’t just a space of artifacts and art. You never know what additional experiences might be happening during your visit.

8. Make Time for Home Court

President Obama’s love for basketball is well known, but Home Court is about more than sports. There are wellness spaces and spaces to gather community. 

I already know there may be community games planned and cannot wait to visit and support. 

9. Stop by the Library

One of the hidden gems of the campus is the new Chicago Public Library branch.

There will also be opportunities for local authors. I cannot wait to see Harvesting Joy on those shelves someday. 

Take a few minutes to browse or if you’re local, check out a book (after you get your library card). 

10. Leave Room to Reflect

This may sound unusual for a travel tip, but I mean it. I visited the library and it has taken me weeks to put my thoughts into words. And even still I am hesitant to speak about my experience. 

A visit there is so unique, you want others to have their OWN experience and cherish it just as much. Don’t immediately rush to your next activity.

Sit outside on the grounds and look at the grounds. Take in the outside of the museum. 

Final Thoughts

The Obama Presidential Center is more than a museum.

It’s a place to learn, gather, reflect, and connect.

Whether you’re visiting from across the country or you’re a longtime Chicago resident, I believe you’ll find something meaningful here.

If you’d like a more personal perspective on what the experience meant to me, I invite you to read my reflection: Hope, History, and Home: My Visit to the Obama Presidential Center

Enjoy your visit. If you’ve visited, comment below and tell me what you enjoyed the most.