Skip to content The long-awaited opening of the Obama Presidential Center is finally here, marking a historic moment for both the city of Chicago and supporters around the world.
Located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, the 19-acre campus will officially open with a star-studded dedication ceremony celebrating community, leadership, and the power of civic engagement.
📅 When is the opening ceremony?
The official Grand Opening Ceremony takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time (CT). The event is invite-only, but anyone can watch online through the official livestream.
📍 Where is it happening?
The ceremony will be held at the Center’s John Lewis Plaza, part of the new campus located at:
6001 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
The Center officially opens to the public the following day, June 19, with free community celebrations continuing throughout the weekend.