The Obama Presidential Center opened its doors to the public in Jackson Park over the weekend of June 19-21, after hosting a private opening ceremony streamed to the public and at Midway Plaisance Park.
The weekend included events in celebration of Juneteenth and Father’s Day with performances on the campus’ plaza and a morning walk hosted by Peace Runners 773. Visitors from across the city and globe made their way to the campus over the weekend, partaking in a wide variety of activities, including touring the museum, participating in art and athletic activities, hearing music on the plaza, and borrowing books at the newest branch of the Chicago Public Library.
Despite long lines and the sun beating heavily on visitors as they waited to enter buildings, attendees were in good spirits and eager to see the center’s offerings. Pamela Mack, a South Side resident and founder of Knotty Luxe Arts Education, a nonprofit arts education organization on the South Side, shared her belief in the center’s promise, in a community she said has been forgotten for a long time. “For years to come, this is going to do really well here,” Mack said.
Comedian Michael Colyar hands out his final copy of the book “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House…” to a fan inside the Forum Building during the afternoon of June 19, 2026. Shortly after taking photos with fans, he signed the final copy. Colyar grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Credit: James Hoeck 
Visitors exit buses on their way to the Obama Center plaza on the morning of Juneteenth, June 19, 2026, the center’s opening day. Credit: James Hoeck 
The McClelland, Willis and Pryor families visit the bubble booth located on the south side of the Obama Center campus on June 19, 2026. The families are generational residents of Hyde Park. Credit: James Hoeck 
On the second day of the Obama Center’s opening to the public, June 20, 2026, Jeremiah, the host of the Spotlight Story event at the campus’ Women’s Garden, discusses Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar’s work displayed. Credit: James Hoeck 
On the plaza of the Obama Center, a pit is formed surrounding elderly visitors as they dance to music hosted by Lizzie G on June 20, 2026. Credit: James Hoeck 
Pat Adaranijo, a volunteer at the Obama Center, dances with one of the performers with the Mandala South Asian Performance Company at the plaza on June 20, 2026. Credit: James Hoeck
James Hoeck is an independent photographer, journalist and artist. Hoeck is a freelance photojournalist with South Side Weekly.