The “Obamalisk”: A monument to a lost America (opens original article in a new tab)

The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago opens, featuring a monumental grey granite structure with symbolic messaging, but faces criticism for its disconnect from the surrounding low-income neighborhood and lack of traditional presidential library elements.

• The Obama Presidential Center is a $850-million monument with symbolic messaging, opening on June 19.
• The design, intended to represent Obama's vision, has been criticized for its monumental and disconnected appearance from the local community.
• The center lacks a public archive, diverging from the traditional presidential library model.