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Selma Today
By the People, for the People
Obama's Presidential Center Draws Criticism for Confusing Text Design
The new text inscription on the museum tower has locals and critics scratching their heads over its readability.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Former President Barack Obama's presidential center in Chicago is facing renewed criticism over its architectural design, this time for the confusing text inscription on the 225-foot museum tower. The text, taken from Obama's 2015 speech in Selma, Alabama, is wrapped around the top of the building in a way that has left many visitors struggling to read it. Critics have compared the design to 'lorem ipsum' placeholder text and a 'Klingon prison', while others have complained of developing headaches trying to decipher the text.
Why it matters
The Obama Presidential Center has been a source of controversy since it was first announced, with concerns raised over its Brutalist-style architecture and the potential for gentrification in the surrounding South Side neighborhood. This latest design issue has reignited criticism of the project and raised questions about whether the center is living up to its goal of being a 'lively community hub' for Chicago.
The details
The text inscription on the museum tower features a passage from Obama's 2015 speech in Selma, Alabama, marking the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. The text wraps around the top of the 225-foot tower, making it difficult for visitors on the ground to read. Critics have compared the design to placeholder 'lorem ipsum' text and said it gives off a 'Klingon prison' vibe, while others have complained of developing headaches trying to decipher the text.
- The text inscription was prepared for installation at the end of 2025, according to the Obama Foundation's website.
- The Obama Presidential Center is slated to open in June after years of delays that included lawsuits and federal reviews.
The players
Barack Obama
The former President of the United States, whose presidential center in Chicago is the subject of this story.
Obama Foundation
The organization overseeing the development and construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Lee Bay
The architecture critic for the Chicago Sun-Times who sparked the criticism by posting about the confusing text design on social media.
What they’re saying
“The new letters – an excerpt from Obama's Selma speech – are tough to read to me, giving off the lorem ipsum vibes.”
— Lee Bay, Architecture Critic, Chicago Sun-Times (X)
“What don't you understand about, 'YOU ARE AMERICA ED BY HABILAND UNENCUMBERED ADY TO SEIZE WE'.”
— Logan Dobson, Vice President, Targeted Victory (X)
“The dyslexic in me is not amused.”
— Salena Zito, Journalist and Columnist (X)
What’s next
The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in June, and it remains to be seen whether the design issues with the text inscription will be addressed or resolved before the opening.
The takeaway
The ongoing controversy over the architectural design of the Obama Presidential Center highlights the challenges of balancing ambitious and innovative design with the needs and concerns of the local community. As the center prepares to open, there will likely be continued scrutiny and debate over whether it is truly living up to its goal of being a 'lively community hub' for Chicago's South Side.
