The Obama Presidential Center, located on Chicago’s South Side, is set to open to the public on Juneteenth. This sprawling 20-acre campus not only celebrates the political achievements of former President Barack Obama but also emphasizes community engagement and personal reflection. The center features a digital museum, public library, basketball court, and picnic areas, reflecting Obama’s deep ties to the community where he began his political career.

A New Kind of Presidential Museum

The museum is the first of its kind to be fully digital, offering interactive exhibits that cover key moments from Obama’s presidency, including the Affordable Care Act and immigration policies. A life-sized replica of the Oval Office allows visitors, including school children, to sit behind the Resolute Desk, inspiring them with the possibilities of leadership.

Community and Personal Touches

Beyond political memorabilia, the center includes personal elements like a garden designed by Michelle Obama and a professional-grade basketball court for community programs. The campus also features a public library branch with a mural depicting literary figures and a reading room with books selected by the Obamas.

Accessibility and Community Focus

While admission to the museum is priced at $30, the highest among U.S. presidential museums, most of the campus remains free to the public. This includes access to the playground, library, and grilling areas, emphasizing the center’s mission to be a community hub.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.