Barack Obama is drawing criticism over the $850 million price tag for his upcoming presidential library in Chicago. The ambitious project, which will boast a basketball court, expansive art installations, and a museum, is stirring debate over its scale and cost.
Set to open in 2026, the Obama Presidential Center spans across 19.3 acres within the historic Jackson Park of Chicago. This sprawling campus is designed to include a variety of structures, each serving a unique purpose.
Among the main attractions is a towering, grey museum building reminiscent of a monolith. The center will also house a forum auditorium, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a garden pavilion, and notably, an NBA-sized basketball court. These features aim to create a diverse and engaging environment.
In a recent conversation with The New York Times, Obama expressed his vision for the center. He emphasized his desire for it to be “a living, breathing, dynamic cultural and gathering space.” This vision reflects a departure from traditional presidential libraries, which often focus solely on historical preservation.
Obama stated, “I’m not interested in a mausoleum, and I’m not really that interested in just, you know, a celebration of my presidency.” Instead, he hopes the center will serve as a catalyst for community engagement and inspiration, encouraging visitors to feel empowered to make a difference in their own communities.
‘I’m more interested in, how can we use this space to activate people and get them to feel inspired about making a difference in their own communities?
However, some social media users mocked Obama for the center’s design and called him out for building on a park.
‘They say it’s “a new home for hope.” Yet it’s built over a park that locals used to call home. Costs doubled. Promises faded. The community left out. Funny how every “living, breathing” project starts by taking someone else’s air,’ one person said.
Internet users likened the looming, concrete and granite building to something seen in the Star Wars cinematic universe
Scheduled to open in 2026, the the towering grey monolith-like Obama Presidential Center (pictured in rendering) consists of several buildings sprawled across a 19.3 acre campus
Barack Obama is facing backlash for his $850 million presidential library in Chicago
‘A “living, breathing, dynamic cultural” cement outhouse on steroids? Ugly design,’ said another.
Others were excited about the building and getting a sneak peak at the interior of the massive project.
‘Sounds like a cool place for some top-tier speeches and maybe a few dad jokes. Can’t wait to see how it turns out,’ one person said.
‘That’s amazing! The Obama Presidential Center sounds like it’s going to be a truly inspiring space. I love the idea of it being dynamic and welcoming to all. Can’t wait to see how it contributes to the community and beyond,’ a second person said.
The eight-story museum is made of granite and stands at 225 feet tall, featuring four floors of exhibits from the Obama presidency and a Sky Room observation deck.
Large art installations will line the interior of the tower, including a including an 83-foot-tall abstract glass work collage inspired by African and American history and art history created by Julie Mehretu.
The exterior of the museum building will feature words taken from President Obama’s speech marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches.
According to The New York Times, the building’s form was inspired by the idea of four hands joining together, reaching skyward.
The forum building is a long, low space with a 299-seat auditorium, two studios for visitors to record music and podcasts, classrooms, a cafe and the foundation’s offices.
The main sites at the center include a museum building, the forum auditorium, a branch of the Chicago public library, a garden pavilion and the home court – an NBA-size basketball court (rendering pictured)
The exterior of the museum building will feature words taken from President Obama’s speech marking the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches (pictured)
At the end of plaza is a branch of the Chicago Public Library, which will have a fruit and vegetable garden.
Internet users likened the looming, concrete and granite building to something seen in the Star Wars cinematic universe and a cartoon lair after the former president shared footage of its construction online.
An X thread making fun of the building’s unusual façade was started by none other than Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
‘Locating the Death Star to Chicago was a bold move,’ he joked, referring to Darth Vader’s space lair.
Others agreed, saying, ‘This concrete eyesore, $200 million over budget and years late, screams mismanagement—just like his presidency.’
While many people agreed they did not like the center’s aesthetics, they still expressed their support for the former president.
‘Much better than a ballroom!’ one person said, referencing Donald Trump’s ballroom renovations to the White House.
‘Now, that is a Special President and wife. Giving back…love them,’ said another. ‘This is one place I’m determined to go to. I can’t wait,’ added a third.
