There’s No Place Like Home: Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson in conversation with Isabel Wilkerson

video. (Audience applauds) We have a preview video of what it will look like. - Duh, duh, duh. - There is a video. (audience chatter) (upbeat music) - Everywhere we look, there is history to reflect on. And, history to be made. That's what the Obama Presidential Center is all about, honoring the stories of those who have brought us where we are today and bringing people together to chart an even better future. Here on Chicago's South Side, the Obama Presidential Center will offer old friends and new visitors the opportunity to explore a world-class museum and gather for celebrations of all kinds.

It will add to the vibrancy of Jackson Park. Add new landscaping, a larger playground, and scenic trails for early morning runs or afternoon walks. And it will do all that while creating jobs and driving economic opportunity here in Chicago, and enriching the South Side landscape that Michelle and I have called

home

for so long. I like to think of the Obama Presidential Center Museum as a tribute to what happens when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things. Inside, exhibits will explore the fullness of American history, from the promise of our founding documents to the movements that challenged us to live up to them.

We will tell the story of the volunteers who propelled our campaign into history and examine the eight years of progress, setback and hope that followed. You'll be able to walk through a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, relive the moments that defined my presidency, experience the impact of our historic First Lady, and also see some of her dresses. (Audience laughs) And, as a world-class museum, you'll be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city we love. We designed the Forum Building focusing on the creativity and imagination that have always defined this city. Here, we will host leadership programs and trainings that will support and connect the next generation of changemakers here in Chicago with people around the world.

And we'll be opening the newest branch of the Chicago Public Library, and on the roof, a garden similar to the one Michelle planted at the White House, and we'll even have some beehives for honey. At the center of it all, a public plaza will welcome visitors for live performances and community festivals. A huge green lawn will open up to throw a frisbee or spread a blanket. And once it gets cold, we'll open up the best sledding hill in the neighborhood. Of course, it wouldn't be the Obama Presidential Center without a

place

to play ball. At the Programs, Sports and Activities Center, you can join a pick-up game or dance class.

That is the Obama Presidential Center, a

place

not only to gather and act, but also to act. It couldn't be more important to us that this is happening right here on the South Side. This is the place where Michelle was born and raised. That's where I started as a community organizer. It's where we bought our first

home

, built our family, and took the first steps on a journey that is still taking shape today. It is the place where we find our purpose. Now we hope to give something back. Because you never know where something that starts on the south side can lead. (Audience applauding) - We can't wait.

Thank you so much for this morning, thank you for the memories, and thank you for everything you have done for America, and particularly for African Americans, in representing us to the world. - Thank you Isabel. - All your family. - Thank you all. (Audience applauds) - Thank you, Craig. - Thank you. (audience applauding)