The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is once again making headlines — and not just for its upcoming grand opening.
This time, the controversy surrounds a bold architectural decision that has many locals scratching their heads: a massive block of text wrapped around the top of the museum tower — text taken directly from former President Barack Obama’s 2015 Selma speech.
While supporters call it symbolic and inspiring, critics argue the design is confusing, difficult to read, and emblematic of a project that has faced years of scrutiny.
A Tower of Words — But Can Anyone Read Them?
The 225-foot museum tower at the Obama Presidential Center now features a lengthy inscription taken from Obama’s Selma address commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches.
However, Chicago architecture observers quickly noticed a problem: from ground level, the words appear fragmented and hard to follow.
Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bay posted on X that the lettering gave off “lorem ipsum” vibes — referencing the placeholder Latin text commonly used in graphic design templates.
Social media users quickly weighed in.
Some compared the structure to something out of science fiction. Others joked about struggling to piece together full sentences as the text wraps around multiple sides of the building. One journalist even admitted the layout was frustrating to read, especially for those with dyslexia.
A Chicago photojournalist noted the inscription looks better from the air or from a very specific vantage point — but that may not help everyday visitors walking the grounds.
For many observers, the question isn’t political. It’s practical: Should a presidential library inscription require the right angle to make sense?
LOOK:
5+ years of construction, $850 million, and this is Obama's library pic.twitter.com/9nM7NpJPON
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 18, 2026
What the Inscription Actually Says
The excerpt comes from Obama’s 2015 speech in Selma, Alabama. The speech honored the historic “Bloody Sunday” march and emphasized themes of unity and civic responsibility.
The engraved section includes phrases such as:
- “You are America.”
- “We the People.”
- “Yes We Can.”
According to the Obama Foundation, the installation of the text was completed as part of the center’s construction update in late 2025. The foundation has described the feature as a powerful reminder of democratic ideals.
Years of Delays, Lawsuits, and Debate
The Obama Presidential Center — a 20-acre campus located on Chicago’s South Side — has been more than a decade in development.
The project includes:
- A museum tower
- Library facilities
- Athletic and community programming spaces
- Public green space and parkland
But it hasn’t come without challenges.
The development has faced multiple lawsuits, federal reviews, and community concerns — particularly surrounding environmental impact and neighborhood change.
Now, as the center prepares for its June opening, debate over its design and symbolism has reignited broader questions about legacy and priorities.
Architectural Style: Bold or Overbearing?
The tower’s design has often been described as “Brutalist,” a post–World War II architectural style known for stark concrete surfaces and imposing geometric forms.
Some Chicago residents have even jokingly dubbed the structure “The Obamalisk,” referencing its tall, monolithic appearance.
Supporters say the design is modern and powerful.
Critics argue it feels cold and disconnected from the surrounding neighborhood.
Architecture, of course, is subjective. But for a project of this scale — and price — public reaction matters.
Gentrification Concerns on Chicago’s South Side
Beyond aesthetics, some community members have expressed concern about rising housing costs and neighborhood change tied to the development.
Supporters argue the Obama Presidential Center will serve as an economic engine, bringing tourism, jobs, and investment to the area.
The Obama Foundation has repeatedly described the campus as a future “community hub” and a beacon of civic engagement.
However, critics worry that long-time residents may face increased property taxes and housing pressures.
It’s a debate familiar in many major American cities: Does large-scale development revitalize — or displace?
A Legacy Set in Stone
Presidential libraries traditionally serve as monuments to history. They preserve documents, celebrate accomplishments, and shape how future generations remember an administration.
But the decision to feature a lengthy excerpt of Obama’s own speech prominently on the exterior of the museum has sparked mixed reactions.
Some view it as a bold affirmation of values.
Others question whether the execution matches the intent.
Regardless of political leanings, one thing is clear: the Obama Presidential Center is not going unnoticed.
The Bigger Picture
As opening day approaches, the center stands as a physical representation of one of the most consequential presidencies of the 21st century.
Whether visitors see inspiration, controversy, architectural ambition, or all of the above, the discussion itself reflects something uniquely American: citizens openly debating how history should be remembered.
And in that sense, perhaps the conversation surrounding the Obama Presidential Center is part of the legacy itself.
Final Thoughts
The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago was designed to make a statement. It certainly has.
But as the doors prepare to open, many Americans — especially those who value tradition, clarity, and community stability — are watching closely to see whether the project ultimately fulfills its promise.
