President Barack Obama and wife Michelle will open the Obama Presidential Center during a ceremony that will be livestreamed on Thursday.
The almost 20-acre campus in Chicago’s Jackson Park includes free park and garden spaces outside, and a museum, dining options, a full-size NBA regulation basketball court and a public library among other amenities inside.
Where is it?
The Obama Presidential Center is located at 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
What’s the best way to get there?
CTA
Check out transitchicago.com
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for fare information, route schedules and maps.By bus: The No. 6 Jackson Park Express, No. 10 Obama Presidential Center/Museum of Science & Industry Express, No. 15 Jeffery Local and No. 28 Stony Island stop in front of the campus.
By “L” train: If traveling from the north, exit at Garfield Boulevard station on the Red and Green lines. From the south, exit at the 63rd Street station on the Red line or Cottage Grove station on the Green line to connect to a bus route.
Metra
Check metra.com for route schedules and maps.
The closest Metra Electric stops are at 59th Street (University of Chicago) and 63rd Street.
Rideshare
Drop off and pickup is in front of the campus on Stony Island Avenue.
Bike
Divvy stations and bike racks are available on Stony Island Avenue at 56th and 64th streets.
Where do I park?
On-site parking is available in the center’s garage, but there is limited capacity. Entrance is off Stony Island Avenue between the Forum and Home Court. The garage is ticketless and you’ll need a smartphone to pay using the Metropolis app. Rates vary. Accessible parking is also available.
When is the center open?
Campus: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; 1-8 p.m. Monday
Last entry is 4 p.m. every day except 7 p.m. Mondays.
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How do I reserve tickets?
Timed tickets for the museum are available at tickets.obama.org. Guests can reserve up to nine at a time, but they are not transferable.
Much of the campus, including the playground, public library and parks, is free and open daily.
How much are tickets?
Adults (12 years or older): $30; Illinois residents are $26.
Children (3-11): $23; Illinois residents are $15.
Illinois residents receive free general admission every Tuesday, but those tickets are sold out through November. Discounted admission is available for educators, school groups, military personnel and their family and first responders, but must be purchased in advance.
Can I take a guided tour?
Yes you can.
Details about dining, events, tours and more are available at tickets.obama.org/events.