Our Chicago: The Obama Presidential Center Prepares To Open
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ground was broken in September 2021 for the Obama Presidential Center.
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Not quite five years later, the doors will open to the public June 19th, with a free, open house style event.
Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett has referred to the center as a "permanent home for hope."
The 19-acre campus on Chicago's South Side is home not only to a museum but also a basketball court, playground, outdoor gathering spots and a branch of the Chicago Public Library.
John Roberson is the Incoming Executive Vice President of the Obama Presidential Cente.
"There have been so many people who've invested so much time and effort over years to bring this vision to fruition. And so, we now next week, on June 19th, we get to open the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago. Can you believe that?"
Roberson said he thinks Mr. and Mrs. Obama wanted a presidential center that was different from others.
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"They wanted something that was really rooted in what they believed are the values that they grew up with. And that ground them. And so, having a museum that not just tells the story of their presidency, but really makes a presentation that allows people to see themselves. And to be able to see and understand how they can effectuate change in their communities," he said.
According to Roberson, Obama was involved in every aspect.
So what can visitors expect when they go to the Obama Presidential Center?
"The number one thing they can expect is a staff that is going to be welcoming," Roberson said. "A staff that is going to insure that they do everything possible to insure that they have a once-in-a-lifetime great experience. They're going to come to a place where they're going to see art. Available and public free spaces. They're going to have the opportunity to really learn about the things that were formative in our country's history through the exhibits. They're going to have the opportunity to go to the eighth floor where our sky room is located and see the most extraordinary panoramic views of the city of Chicago that cannot be found anywhere else," he said.
Roberson suggests visitors bring comfortable shoes for walking through all of the exhibit space and the large campus.
SEE ALSO | Taking a look at the Obama Presidential Center inside and out
