06/19/2026
Yesterday, Chicago celebrated the dedication of the Obama Presidential Center, and today, on Juneteenth, its doors open to the public.
More than a library or museum, the Center stands as a powerful symbol of leadership, civic engagement, and the belief that ordinary people can create extraordinary change. Opening on June 19, a day that commemorates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality, adds even deeper meaning to this moment.
A landmark for Chicago. A tribute to democracy. And a reminder that history is not just something we inherit… it’s something we create.
The lead architects for the Obama Presidential Center are the husband-and-wife team Tod Williams and Billie Tsien of the New York firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners. They partnered with Chicago-based Interactive Design Architects (IDEA), led by Dina Griffin, as the local associate architect.
The landscape architecture was led by Michael Van Valkenburgh and his firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, working with Chicago firms Site Design Group and Living Habitats.
One of the most interesting aspects of the design is the 225-foot museum tower. According to the architects, the form is intended to symbolize multiple hands reaching upward and coming together—representing democracy, community, and collective action rather than a traditional presidential library. The design intentionally devotes more of the site to public open space, gardens, and civic gathering areas.
We are proud to see Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA, is a featured Changemaker in the “Imagine Your Impact” exhibit at the Obama Presidential Center.
This interactive exhibit celebrates leaders making an impact across communities worldwide. As Chicagoans at heart, and partners with IIDA, we are proud to see Cheryl and IIDA representing the design community and showing the power of design leadership on this massive stage!
Brava Cheryl Durst IIDA
We can’t wait to visit next time we’re back in Chicago!
Officially open!