FROM DAILY MAIL: Barack Obama is facing backlash for his $850 million presidential library in Chicago that will feature a basketball court, large art installations and a museum.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Obama Presidential Center consists of several buildings sprawled across a 19.3 acre campus within Chicago’s historic Jackson Park.
The main sites at the center include a towering grey monolith-like museum building, the forum auditorium, a branch of the Chicago public library, a garden pavilion and the home court – an NBA-size basketball court.
When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities. https://t.co/gW6UCYBCAJ pic.twitter.com/U92thHbAUL
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 18, 2025
Obama told The New York Times the center was intended to be “a living, breathing, dynamic cultural and gathering space.”
“I’m not interested in a mausoleum,” he told the outlet, “and I’m not really that interested in just, you know, a celebration of my presidency.
“I’m more interested in, how can we use this space to activate people and get them to feel inspired about making a difference in their own communities? “
Many social media users are less inspired to action than to shock and distaste as the hulking beast of a disproportionate tower emerged over what used to be a much-loved park.
“They say it’s ‘a new home for hope.’ Yet it’s built over a park that locals used to call home. Costs doubled. Promises faded. The community left out. Funny how every ‘living, breathing’ project starts by taking someone else’s air,” one social media user commented.
They say it’s “a new home for hope.”
Yet it’s built over a park that locals used to call home.
Costs doubled. Promises faded. The community left out.Funny how every “living, breathing” project starts by taking someone else’s air. https://t.co/03zzJ3WYv0
— Dr. Lucien Wolfe 🇺🇸 (@LucienWolfe111) October 18, 2025
“A ‘living, breathing, dynamic cultural’ cement outhouse on steroids? Ugly design,” said another.
A “living, breathing, dynamic cultural” cement outhouse on steroids? Ugly design.
— D David Steele🇺🇸 (@DDavidSteele1) October 18, 2025
Podcaster Larry Elder said, “Someone once said, ‘A camel looks like a horse designed by a committee.’ The Obama Presidential Library looks like a building designed by a committee…of camels.”
Another posted a meme of a trash can and the library to highlight their similarities.
— Joseph Madre (@RxMaverick99) October 18, 2025
Other X users were more positive.
“Sounds like a cool place for some top-tier speeches and maybe a few dad jokes. Can’t wait to see how it turns out,” one user wrote.
“That’s amazing! The Obama Presidential Center sounds like it’s going to be a truly inspiring space. I love the idea of it being dynamic and welcoming to all. Can’t wait to see how it contributes to the community and beyond,” another offered.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Please tell us in the comments.
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