A first look at the completed Obama Presidential Center in Chicago

The Obama Presidential Center finally appears ready to open to the public later this month, on June 19. 

Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in collaboration with landscape architecture studio Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the 9.3-acre civic campus in Chicago’s Jackson Park has been among the city’s most high-profile developments since discussions on the center began over a decade ago. Moody Nolan was in charge of the scheme's athletic center building, while Maya Lin created a water garden installation.

The campus includes the Museum Building, Forum, Chicago Public Library Branch, John Lewis Plaza, and Home Court, alongside new pathways, gardens, and public gathering areas intended to strengthen connections to Jackson Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

A defining feature of the design approach for the scheme was the integration o...