South Side Gains a New Hub of Learning and Culture

The Obama Presidential Center is set to open next month in a park that already hosts the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Both landmarks share a passion for learning, community service, and personal growth.

A Legacy of Learning

• Griffin Museum: Nearly a century old, welcomed 1.5 million visitors last year and hosted over 250,000 free school trips. It has been Illinois’ top field‑trip destination for five straight years.
• New Center: Expected to attract ~600,000 visitors annually, offering art, civics, gardening, sports, and a library—all with many free programs.

Accessibility for All

• Free admission days and after‑school activities draw kids from nearby neighborhoods.
• New bus routes stop directly at both sites.
• The Griffin’s historic south entrance will reopen next year, creating a direct path linking the two sites and the park.

Community Impact

• Investment in infrastructure and a sense of belonging for South Side residents.
• Complementing existing natural beauty—cherry blossoms, lagoons, green spaces—and cultural landmarks like the DuSable Black History Museum.
• Strengthening Chicago’s civic anchor with a city‑wide treasure that welcomes families from all corners.

A New Chapter

The Griffin Museum and the Obama Center build on a long history of connection, inviting everyone to stroll the park, admire views from the Sky Room, and enjoy blooming cherry trees. This marks a fresh chapter for Chicago’s South Side—one that is just beginning.