Obama Presidential Center: Invite-only soft opening held Monday; tickets go on sale this week

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ten years ago, then-President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama chose Jackson Park for the Obama Presidential Center.

At the time, they said they wanted this to be more than a place to house mementos from his presidency. On Monday, a select few people got to see part of the center for themselves.

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The tour was one-and-a-half hours, but most spent more time there on Monday.

"It's just amazing. It's fascinating. You could spend hours in there," said visitor Xenia Cotter. "I thought it was just the museum, but it's so much more. There's a history of the U.S., how it's developed, how it's changed, the leadership the roles the Obamas have had."

Hira Qureshi, an Obama scholar, also got a first look.

"I've been a student at University of Chicago the last two years. We've slowly seen progress through the course of the two years, and it's incredible to see it all coming together now," Qureshi said.

Work is continuing on the campus. Landscaping, paving, and artwork installation are underway outside of the Obama Presidential Center.

But inside on Monday, there was an invite-only tour of the museum tower and the forum building that houses the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium. While ABC7 cameras were not allowed inside, we are learning more about what visitors will find.

"I teared up because we got to see what an impact they really did make," said visitor Pamela Lasley. "Very emotional. You feel the same sense of inspiration you felt when the election was happening, when he was in the office."

Arne Duncan served as secretary of education in the Obama administration.

"It's beyond any expectations. I had to relive the memories and work we did. Deeply moving," Duncan said. "We were really honest about creating hope, and that's the spirit here."

Duncan said the collection of installations at center reminds visitors of the power within each of us.

"We all have a role to play to make things better. It's obviously a very tough time in our country now. That's not a time to quit; it's a time to say, 'Yes, we can. We must,'" Duncan said.

While some have had concerns about the gentrification of the area, others are eager for more attention and investment in this South Side community with the center officially opening next month.

"Love it. Love it... Because I think it's going to be beneficial to the neighborhood improvement, you know?" said neighbor Ruth Laster.

This soft opening is a way to help the staff prepare for the grand opening, which is June 19.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday. Click here for more information.