Obama Presidential Center tickets go on sale ahead of grand opening

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Obama Presidential Center is just six weeks from opening, and tickets went on sale to the public Wednesday morning.

The Obama Foundation is expecting high demand for tickets.

Construction crews continue to work on completing the long-awaited Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park in time to open June 19.

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Tickets for the museum officially went on sale at 9 a.m.

"I'm going to buy today because I want to go when it opens," Johnnie Collins, who plans to buy tickets. "I don't wanna miss nothing."

Within the first hour, the first weekend of June 19 was already sold out. Those who got in line in the queue had a spot guaranteed.

"I see it every day on the way to work so I've seen it being built level up so it feels like Christmas," Avian Henderson, who plans to buy tickets, said.

Henderson said he plans to take his whole family.

"I've been looking out for it, so I think it's important," Henderson said. "I have young nieces and nephews little brothers, I think it's very important for them to see him because they didn't really experience his presidency so I think this is going to mean a lot to this community in this city, everyone really, but more importantly people who look like us and to see the greatness and the history he left behind and I really can't wait."

Michael Strautmanis with the Obama Foundation says people can purchase up to nine tickets at a time online. Weekend and summer dates are expected to sell out quickly.

"Websites looking good," Strautmanis said. "We've got some long waits, so you have to be patient. But if you're patient, you're gonna get in and you're gonna get a ticket."

Prices range from $23 to $30 for general admission, $15 to $26 for people who live in Illinois and kids who are under two, get in for free.

"For Illinois residents, just like all the other museums, you can come for free on Tuesdays," Strautmanis said. "Now you just have to book it. You know, people can't show up to the museum without a ticket. But you know what? There's so much else to do. We've got restaurants, we've got playgrounds, we've got a branch of the Chicago Public Library. You don't need a ticket to go to the library, and so come on and have fun."

Museum exhibits explore the promise of democracy and the work of the Obama Presidency. Through immersive storytelling and interactive installations, guests will engage with the legacy of America's first Black president and First Lady and reflect on the enduring power of civic participation.

Collins, who lives nearby, said this will be great for the neighborhood.

"It's gonna make the neighborhood good and we don't have to go far for entertainment, that's how I feel about it," Collins said. "You don't have to go nowhere I can walk right across the street. That's it."

While the museum requires a timed ticket, all other areas of the 19.3 acre campus are free to the public.

Tickets to the museum are available June 19 through November 30.

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