As someone who's visited every presidential center/library in the modern era (plus a handful of…read morepresidential museums from the pre Hoover era), I've been looking forward to this Presidential center for years - it was well worth the wait! We spent two days at the center, a Tuesday and Wednesday which is a great way to split the experiences. Beyond the education and historic value, I came out feeling inspired and appreciative of the diversity of the crowd, and the kindness that everybody showed one another while on the presidential campus.
On the first day, we visited the outdoor activities like the women's garden and pavilion, the wetland walk, and fruit / vegetable garden. We also visited the public library, and the forum building. We passed up the playground and the home court (sports/fitness center), but all of these areas that I mentioned are free and openly accessible even without tickets. Since our first day was on a Tuesday, we found that the center was busier than usual, since Tuesday's allow Illinois residents to visit and get tickets at no charge. There are so many picture taking opportunities, interesting sites and quiet places to sit even without tickets if you're in the area.
On the second day, we visited the main museum - I got tickets on the first day that they were available, so definitely get tickets in advance if you plan to go. At $30 per ticket this was an excellent value. There is a line that queued up on Wednesday morning starting around 9:30 a.m. which was for people who wanted to take the express ride up to the sky room. They let about 200 people per day go up to the sky room without advance tickets. Since we did have tickets, we were directed towards the second level "Toward a more perfect union" exhibit on the second floor, designed to give some national history, and focus on the people / events/movements that shape the obamas lives. I was already inspired just off that level alone. We then took an escalator to the third level, "working for the common good" which addressed the work of the Obama administration. Then off to level four, "the people's house" all about the White House grounds, with the replica of the oval office - another picture opportunity, then level five "we the people" was a great reminder about the values of democracy. Finally off to the sky room level for more motivation and great photos of the surrounding neighborhood.
A few thoughts:
- some critics have complained that this building is an eyesore, I didn't come close to finding it to be an eyesore. It fits in with the Chicago skyline, and while it stands out as a beacon of freedom, democracy and education, that's what a presidential center is supposed to be.
- people are inherently good. It was amazing how anytime I stretched my arm to take a selfie with my wife, some other patron would show up and offer to take our picture for us, and we did the same. The feeling of joy abounds at this great facility. Everybody was smiling, even when they were waiting in line for lunch. This energy is truly what America needs more of.
- it's conflicting to feel both the inspiration and excitement of being there without seeing the clear differentiation versus what our country is currently going through. The Obamas went out of their way to discuss the strength of America coming from the power of the people, not the power of the presidency, political officials, or the wealthy. I can only hope we find our way back to what democracy is truly about.
Poor people of all ages and from all backgrounds, the Obama Presidential center is well worth a visit. If you're looking for a hotel within walking distance, please see reviews of The Study hotel, as it's a convenient walk.