Sky Room

The Nelson Mandela Sky Room is the Museum’s culminating experience. This special place located at the top of the Museum provides an unparalleled view of the city that shaped President and Mrs. Obama.
Hours and Address
Monday | 1-8 p.m. CT Tuesday - Sunday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CT 6001 S. Stony Island Ave. Chicago, IL, USA, 60637
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Access to the Sky Room is included in your ticket to the Museum. Explore ticketing options for the Museum before your visit.
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Exploring the Nelson Mandela Sky Room

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Unparalleled Views

Take in expansive views of Chicago’s South Side from the Sky Room. See the natural beauty of Jackson Park and Lake Michigan, the neighboring Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the University of Chicago campus, and the vibrant surrounding neighborhoods of the Obama Presidential Center.
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We the People You Are America Letters

“You Are America”

The words are not just an homage to the past but a call to action for today. President Obama says: “I hope those words will now serve as a beacon—of courage and hope—not just for this community, but for the next generation of Americans looking to chart their own course.”
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Sky Room Vista

Attached to the Sky Room is the Vista, a cozy enclave perfect for relaxing or taking in views of the campus below. The Vista includes two art installations by Jenny Holzer and Carrie Mae Weems.
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Art in the Sky Room

  • Sky of Hope

    The ceiling of the Sky Room is encased by Sky of Hope, a one-of-a-kind art installation by Idris Khan. The painting is composed of layered text drawn from President Obama’s 2015 “You Are America” speech. Each word was individually stamped by hand to form a pattern that radiates outward, further cementing the Sky Room as a quiet space for reflection on the power of hope.

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  • Freedom Riders

    Head to the Sky Room Vista to view Freedom Riders, a richly layered text-based painting by Jenny Holzer. The piece spotlights Civil Rights activists who expanded the freedoms of Black Americans through the use of nonviolent direct action. The installation is an  innovative continuation of the Sky Room’s tribute to the Freedom Riders’ remarkable courage and achievement.

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  • The Cool Blue Wind

    The Sky Room Vista features The Cool Blue Wind by Carrie Mae Weems. The photographic collage is printed on metallic paper and is accompanied by original music that references Obama’s 2008 victory alongside the improvisational structure of jazz.

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People walk by the “Yes We Can” exhibit inside the Museum Building. The exhibit is a large circular structure with words that say “Yes We Can” in wooden letters. An exhibit screen is in the background.

Discover the Obama Presidential Center Museum

The Sky Room is just one area of the Museum. Explore four additional floors that detail the history of our democracy through the lens of America’s first Black President and First Lady. Start your journey as you learn about the political and social strides that led to the election of President Obama, then get a first-hand look at the lives of President and Mrs. Obama through eight years of service.

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The Legacy of Nelson Mandela 

Nelson Mandela is named as an honoree of the Sky Room in honor of the former South African president and activist. His life teaches that lasting change takes patience, moral clarity, and a willingness to see opponents as partners in building a more equal and humane society.

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Headshot of Nelson Mandela

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Plan Your Visit

  • Our Neighborhood

    Discover activities, food, and events happening across the South Side.

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  • The Campus

    Journey through 19 acres of fun, interactive, and engaging activities for all ages.

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  • Programs and Events

    Take a look at the performances, activities, and classes happening across the campus.

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  • Accessibility

    Check out all of the accessibility options across our campus.

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  • The Shop

    Shop with purpose at the Obama Presidential Center store, where every purchase of curated merchandise and local artisan goods helps to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

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  • Dining

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

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