Obama Presidential Center opens on Chicago’s South Side

Former President Barack Obama is welcoming visitors to the new Obama Presidential Center.

(NBC)- Former President Barack Obama is welcoming visitors to the new Obama Presidential Center, an $850 million campus designed to serve as both a museum and community gathering space.

Located on Chicago’s South Side, the eight-story center was built to be different from a traditional presidential library, focusing not only on archives and artifacts but also on community engagement and civic involvement.

“For us to be able to situate all those lessons learned, all the values that we tried to project and embody during the eight years we were in office together, for us to be able to give that to this community is really important to us,” Obama said.

Among the attractions is a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, designed to match the way it appeared during Obama’s two terms in office.

The campus also includes a basketball court, vegetable garden, public library and auditorium.

Exhibits throughout the center highlight major accomplishments of the Obama administration while also addressing controversies and challenges faced during those years.

“We tell the story as honestly and truthfully as we can, not only through the eyes of President Obama but through the countless ordinary people who worked to get what we did get done accomplished,” said Valerie Jarrett.

Supporters say the center is intended to be more than a museum, encouraging visitors to become involved in their communities and create positive change.

“I think for everyone, what we hope is that they won’t just learn about his presidency and the shoulders he and Michelle Obama stand on, but importantly, they will leave inspired to do something different in their own lives,” Jarrett said.

The Obama Presidential Center is now open to the public.