*The Obama Presidential Center will open its doors to the public on June 19, 2026, with timed-entry Museum tickets going on sale for Founding Members on April 21 and the general public on May 6.
The Obama Foundation confirmed this week that the vast majority of the 19.3-acre campus in Jackson Park will be free and open to the public this summer. However, access to the highly anticipated Museum—featuring a full-scale replica of the Oval Office—will require a timed-entry ticket. Illinois residents can visit for free on Tuesdays, with tickets available starting June 23.
“President and Mrs. Obama have always believed that democracy is strongest when people come together in shared spaces,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “The Museum allows visitors to explore the history and impact of the Obama presidency, while the broader campus creates a place where the community can gather, learn, and imagine what’s possible next.”
Museum Tickets, Pricing, and Free Days for Illinois Residents
General admission tickets provide access to all four floors of the Museum, including the chance to sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office replica. Tickets will be available for visits from June 19 through November 30, 2026.
General Admission Pricing:
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Adult (Ages 12+): $30
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Child (Ages 3–11): $23
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Children 2 and under: Free
Illinois Resident Pricing (except Tuesdays):
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Adult: $26
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Child (Ages 3–11): $15
To ensure broad access, the Foundation will offer Illinois Free Days every Tuesday, when residents can reserve free Museum admission with proof of residency. Tickets will be available online and in person, though demand is expected to be high.
All Museum entry is timed-ticketed. Visitors are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance at obama.org.
Founding Members Get Early Access to Obama Presidential Center Tickets
The Obama Presidential Center’s Founding Membership Program offers early access to purchase Museum tickets before the general public. Membership begins with a monthly gift of any amount or an annual recurring gift of $75 or more.
Founding Member benefits include:
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Early access to purchase Museum tickets (starting April 21)
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Exclusive content and behind-the-scenes updates
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Invitations to member gatherings and virtual experiences
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Discounts on mission-supporting merchandise
Those interested can learn more at obama.org/member.
Campus Experience Tour and Free Spotlight Stories
Beyond general admission, visitors can purchase the Campus Experience Tour, a guided 90-minute tour of the Center’s art, architecture, and landscape design. This includes Museum admission plus a “Skip the Line” pass for early access to the Oval Office and Sky Room, as well as exclusive access to non-public areas like the Museum’s Presidential Suite.
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Pricing: $75 per person (Monday–Wednesday) / $95 per person (Thursday–Sunday)
For those seeking free, guided experiences, the Foundation offers Spotlight Stories—15-minute sessions held three times daily. No reservations are required. Highlights include the Women’s Garden featuring monumental art by Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar, and the Fruit and Vegetable Garden honoring the legacies of Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama.
What to Expect Inside the Museum
The Museum will invite visitors to experience dynamic exhibits across four floors that explore the promise of democracy and the work of the Obama presidency. Key highlights include:
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A full-scale replica of President Obama’s Oval Office with an opportunity to sit behind the Resolute Desk.
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An exhibit chronicling Mrs. Obama’s iconic fashion throughout the administration.
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Exhibits describing the achievements of the Obama administration across two terms, as well as its unfinished work.
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Special short films dedicated to campaign volunteers and Americans who wrote to President Obama and received personal responses.
The broader campus—including a playground, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, gardens, walking trails, 28 newly commissioned artworks, and panoramic views from the Sky Room—will remain free and open to the public starting June 19.
To reserve tickets or learn more, visit obama.org.
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