The Obama Foundation announced that Njideka Akunyili Crosby was commissioned to create the first official portrait of President and Mrs. Obama for the Obama Presidential Center opening 19 June 2026 in Chicago.
The portrait of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama weaves together archival imagery, family albums, historical ephemera, and cultural touchstones. This densely layered work and its precise biographical details simultaneously honour and connect the Obamas’ lasting legacy to the many generations of artists, activists, citizens and leaders whose collective journeys helped pave their way to the White House and sustained them through two terms.
The work will be exhibited in the Main Lobby of the Museum.
-Image: Portrait of Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Photo by Shaughn and John
April 10 2026
