Obama Presidential Centre Opens in Chicago with Oval Office Replica and Michelle’s Ball Gowns

Former President Barack Obama will officially open his presidential centre in Chicago this month, nine years after leaving the White House. The museum, which cost $850 million to construct, represents a significant cultural landmark for the city and comes at a time when presidential libraries have become increasingly elaborate institutions attracting millions of visitors annually.

Among the centre’s attractions is a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, complete with authentic details including a handwritten memo and a BlackBerry mobile phone in a desk drawer. The exhibition also features a fashion display showcasing the gowns worn by former First Lady Michelle Obama at state balls and official events, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the presidential residence’s ceremonial life.

The centre expects to attract approximately one million visitors per year. However, the $30 admission fee has drawn criticism from some quarters, with comparisons being made to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, which charges only $15. Additionally, some commentators have questioned the architectural design, with critics likening elements of the building to structures from the film Star Wars, sparking debate about the aesthetic choices made in its construction.

Former President Donald Trump has been dismissive of the project, describing it publicly as a ‘garbage dump’, continuing a pattern of critical rhetoric between the two former presidents.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.