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You Are America

Come celebrate 250 years of American progress and get inspired to shape the future. Join us at the newest civic cultural destination on the South Side of Chicago for a summer series of talks, films, and community events marking this historic milestone. From “We the People” to "We shall overcome" to “Yes We Can” — we decide what’s next.
Programs & Events
Check out the full calendar of classes, concerts, and events happening across campus.
Getting Here
Planning your visit? Find the best way to get to the Obama Presidential Center campus.
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You Are America Event Calendar

July 04
Children sit together outdoors at dusk, watching a performance with focused expressions as a crowd gathers behind them.

The People's Fourth

Sat, Jul 04 2:00pm - 7:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

07
Artist Mark Bradford sits in his studio surrounded by large, colorful abstract paintings.

Mark Bradford: Layers of America

Tue, Jul 07 6:30pm - 7:30pm Elie Wiesel Auditorium

$40

Get Tickets
10
DJ Lady D performs at a house music party

House Music on the Plaza

Fri, Jul 10 2:00pm - 4:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

Count Me In
12
An adult and 2 children planting seeds in a garden

Summer Garden Gathering (Jul 12)

Sun, Jul 12 1:00pm - 4:00pm Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Free

26
An adult and 2 children planting seeds in a garden

Summer Garden Gathering (Jul 26)

Sun, Jul 26 1:00pm - 4:00pm Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Free

August 04
A person with short brown hair and sunglasses holding a young child grabs a mic on an outdoor stage

Karaoke on the Plaza

Tue, Aug 04 3:00pm - 5:00pm John Lewis Plaza

Free

Count Me In
09
An adult and 2 children planting seeds in a garden

Summer Garden Gathering (Aug 9)

Sun, Aug 09 1:00pm - 4:00pm Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Free

23
An adult and 2 children planting seeds in a garden

Summer Garden Gathering (Aug 23)

Sun, Aug 23 1:00pm - 4:00pm Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Free

Plan Your Visit

  • Getting to the Campus

    Map out your route to our campus before you visit.

  • Museum

    Explore the remarkable story of President Obama and Michelle Obama and those who inspired their journey.

  • Sky Room

    Head to the top of the Museum and take in stunning views of the West and South Sides of Chicago. 

  • Accessibility

    Check out all of the accessibility options across our campus.

  • Dining

    Nourish your soul (and stomach) with our dining options brought to you through a new collaboration between Bon Appétit Management and Chicago’s own Chef Cliff Rome. 

  • Shop

    Take home exclusive merchandise inspired by the city of Chicago, the Obamas’ legacy, and the Presidential Center campus.