Still basking in the glow of Chicago’s historic @WNBA All-Star Game. Check out the moment when President @BarackObama surprised a group of young @girlsalliance girls participating in the WNBA’s Changemaker Day—a day-long experience designed to inspire and empower participants to find their own superpower.

President @barackobama’s summer reading list is here 📚 This year, President Obama is inviting all of you to come read these picks at the Obama Presidential Center, and we invited a few book lovers to share their first reactions. What are you reading first?

In June, when we debuted the first official portrait of President and Mrs. Obama at the Obama Presidential Center Museum, the world went wild for the story of how Michelle Obama had long hoped to collaborate with renowned artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and how deeply the experience moved Crosby. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how this landmark piece of art was created. Now, we hope you can come see the craft, care and collaboration for yourself in the Hope and Change Lobby at the Obama Presidential Center Museum. It’s a free space, and open to the public.

We are thrilled to partner with @chicagosky to extend the impact of @WNBA All-Star Weekend far beyond the court. We love our sports in Chicago and are proud to welcome influential voices from sports, business, media, technology and community at the Obama Presidential Center. There will be so many exciting things happening across Chicago, from a women’s small business pitch competition at the Metropolitan Club to multiple Line 'Em Up court improvements, expanding access by bringing official WNBA three-point lines to neighborhood courts throughout the city. At the Obama Presidential Center, we are excited to do our part by hosting the inaugural Women's Sports Media & Innovation Summit—"From Participation to Power”—convening leaders across sports, media, technology, healthcare, entertainment and business on July 23. And we will host the partners, civic leaders and organizations working to make Chicago’s All-Star Weekend possible, offering this cohort of changemakers an opportunity to experience one of the city's newest cultural landmarks on July 21.

Today, we’re wishing President George W. Bush a happy 80th birthday. On Inauguration Day in 2009, President Bush left President Obama a handwritten note in the Oval Office offering encouragement, faith, and support as President Obama began his presidency. The letter remains a powerful reminder that public service should be grounded in grace, respect, and a shared commitment to the country. We’re grateful to President Bush for helping ensure a smooth and orderly transition between his administration and that of President Obama. You can see the letter on display in our replica of the Obama Oval Office at the Obama Presidential Center.

Hope is a choice. In electrifying remarks at the Grand Opening Celebration of the Obama Presidential Center, Michelle Obama called on all of us to kindle hope. As we celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we revisited her wise and inspiring message.

Let's get to work! Big change comes from smaller changes, and Chicago neighbor and civic leader Eric Wu talks about how hope leads to action, something we love to hear at the Obama Foundation.

America turns 250 today. To mark the occasion, join the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony rewatch party. Come for the jolt of inspiration from President and Mrs. Obama, stay for the performances from Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns, Illinois Army National Color Guard, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Tems, The Roots, U2’s Bono and The Edge, and Uniting Voices Chicago. Join us now:

Our time as the nation’s newest presidential center was short-lived. We are thrilled to extend the new-kid baton that the @TheBushCenter handed to us just a few weeks ago us to our dear friends at the @TRPresLibrary in North Dakota. What a civics season this has been! Congratulations on an amazing opening!

Getting ready for your July Fourth weekend? We are still soaring from our Grand Opening ceremony – and enjoying this video of an unexpected guest with a birds-eye view. A few of our eagle-eyed guests caught sight of an actual bald eagle flying overhead during the ceremony. There’s more to learn: Some bald eagles are known to be nesting at Park 597 near the Calumet River, where two eaglets were recently spotted. Be sure to send us your nickname ideas for the bald eagle, along with any sightings of your own! And Happy Independence Day!

🇺🇲Join us Saturday for “The People’s Fourth,” a free July 4th celebration, with live music from Melody Angel, Mucca Pazza and DJ Hot Rod, self-guided tours, food and merch stations, and family activities including face painting and bubble blowing. This event kicks off our “You Are America” summer series. To mark the 250th anniversary of America’s declaration of its independence, the Obama Presidential Center will host “You Are America” events, honoring the inclusive spirit of America and welcoming neighbors from across Chicago and the world. They will feature notable speakers, compelling artistic activations and performances, immersive workshops, and tours, all commemorating the nation’s progress, and amplifying ideas shaping a more inclusive and hopeful future. Register and learn more: “America is not the same country it was 250 years ago—but there are threads that tie us back to the very beginning of it all,” said President Obama in 2024. “Our history plays a big role in shaping the kind of future we hope to create.” This celebratory series honoring the 250th Anniversary of America is made possible through the generous support of GCM Grosvenor.

Become a member of the Obama Foundation today to unlock exclusive presale to Obama Presidential Center Museum ticket access July 1—a full week before they open to the public July 8.

The Obama Presidential Center is officially open, and we are thrilled by the outpouring of love and interest from visitors near and far! While tickets are currently sold out, our next block of tickets for visits September 2026 through January 2027 is open for our Founding Member Presale on July 1! Members get a full week of exclusive access before the general public release July 8. When you become a member, you actively expand The Obama Foundation's programs that inspire, empower, and connect changemakers, while helping keep our newly open campus a vibrant, open space for all: