Obama Presidential Center’s Windowless Design Explained Ahead of Opening

The Obama Presidential Center, located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, is set to open in June 2026. As the construction of the 225-foot-tall building progresses, officials from the Obama Foundation have responded to public criticism regarding its unconventional design, particularly its lack of windows.

Purposeful Design Choices

According to Kim Patterson, Deputy Director of the Obama Foundation, the building’s windowless exterior is a deliberate choice aimed at preserving the artwork and artifacts housed within. During a recent tour, Patterson explained to CBS News, “There are not a lot of windows on the building, but that’s intentional, because sunlight is just not a friend to the artwork and the artifacts that are going inside of the building.” This focus on protecting valuable items has shaped the overall aesthetic of the center, which features a striking gray façade.

The center will include a presidential library, a museum, and various community spaces. Barack Obama, during his visit to the site, emphasized key components of the center, highlighting features such as exhibitions of Michelle Obama‘s dresses and a dedicated audio and recording studio for youth engagement. “We also have an audio and recording studio so we can bring kids in to give exposure and training to tell their stories,” he noted.

Symbolism and Community Engagement

Patterson also defended the unique architectural style of the center, stating that its shape symbolizes collective action. “The shape of the building was actually meant to mimic four hands coming together to show the importance of our collective action,” she explained. This emphasis on symbolism reflects the project’s broader mission of community connection and engagement.

Community input has played a significant role in shaping the project. Patterson revealed that the foundation’s team visited all 77 neighborhoods in Chicago to gather feedback on the design. Initially, plans included a parking garage that could obstruct sunlight to nearby gardens. As a result of community concerns, the garage was relocated underground, and a vibrant playground was added to enhance the area.

The center aims to attract nearly 800,000 visitors annually. Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Obama and now CEO of the Obama Foundation, highlighted the library’s innovative digitization of documents, which includes all White House papers, tweets, emails, videos, and photos. “This is a real advantage for those who are interested in doing research, whether you’re a school student, or whether you’re a PhD or a world expert,” she stated.

The Obama Presidential Center is not only a tribute to the legacy of President Obama but also a space designed to inspire visitors to engage with their communities. Jarrett expressed a hope that people would learn not only about President Obama but also about themselves and how they can effect change. “I hope they not only learn about President Obama and the people upon whose shoulders he stands, but also a little bit something about themselves and how they can go and bring change home to their own communities,” she added.

As the opening date approaches, the Obama Presidential Center is poised to become a significant cultural and educational landmark in Chicago, combining thoughtful design with community-driven initiatives.