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Obama Presidential Center Sets Ticket Sales and Prices Ahead of June 19 Opening

The ID rule for free Tuesdays has triggered conservative criticism over access.

Overview

  • The Obama Foundation, which announced the plan Monday, will open a presale for founding members on April 21, with general tickets available May 6 for visits from June 19 through Nov. 30.
  • General admission will cost $30 for adults and $23 for children, with Illinois resident rates of $26 and $15, and free Tuesday admission for state residents begins June 23 with timed-entry tickets.
  • Residents seeking the free day must show proof of Illinois residency with a valid photo ID such as a state ID, driver’s license or CityKey, and those without an Illinois ID can pair a photo ID with a lease, utility bill, library card, student ID or work ID and pay stub.
  • All museum entry will be by timed ticket, and most of the roughly 19-acre Jackson Park campus will be free to visit, including gardens, walking trails, a playground, a Chicago Public Library branch and Sky Room views.
  • Conservative outlets focused on the ID check and ongoing questions about taxpayer-funded infrastructure, citing state commitments of about $229 million and Chicago’s spending of more than $200 million, while other local reports highlighted exhibits like a replica Oval Office and displays on Michelle Obama’s fashion.