Obama Presidential Center Opening in Chicago: How to Watch, Who’s Attending and What’s Inside | Today’s news
The much-anticipated opening of the Obama Presidential Center is set to take place in Chicago, with former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama leading the groundbreaking ceremony for the $850 million landmark project.
Located on a 19-acre campus in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park, the center is designed to be a center for civic engagement, education, culture and public programming while celebrating Obama’s legacy as America’s first black president.
Who will attend the opening of the Obama Presidential Center?
The opening ceremony is by invitation only, and prominent political leaders, celebrities and supporters of the Obama Foundation are expected to attend.
According to organizers, the guest list is expected to include former U.S. presidents and first ladies, along with civic leaders, philanthropists, artists and community representatives.
The event will feature keynote remarks by Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, who oversaw the development of the project through the Obama Foundation.
Other scheduled speakers include:
Several performers are expected to give short remarks during the ceremony.
How to watch the opening of the Obama Presidential Center live
While attendance at the dedication ceremony is limited to invited guests, the event will be streamed live around the world via the Obama Foundation’s official website.
The commencement program begins at noon ET and will include speeches, musical performances and special performances.
People can start visiting the center from June 19, which coincides with the June holiday in the United States.
Lineup of star performers
The grand opening features an extensive line-up of internationally known artists and musicians.
Scheduled performers include:
The inaugural celebration is expected to combine music, culture and public service themes central to Obama’s legacy.
What is the Obama Presidential Center?
The Obama Presidential Center is an $850 million campus developed by the Obama Foundation to preserve and promote the legacy of Barack Obama’s presidency.
Unlike traditional presidential libraries focused primarily on archives and exhibits, the center aims to foster civic engagement, leadership development and community participation.
The project was privately funded by donations raised by the Obama Foundation and opens to the public on June 16, the US federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.
What’s inside the Obama Presidential Center?
The Obama Presidential Center is located on 19.3 acres in Jackson Park and features an eight-story museum dedicated to Barack Obama and his presidency from 2009 to 2017. The campus includes a branch of the Chicago Public Library, an NBA-sized basketball facility called the Home Court, a multimedia performance known as the Forum, gardens, the Great Lawn, and large playing fields. Visitors can also explore 28 original works of art, hiking trails and green spaces planted with 900 native trees. The center is conceived as a civic, cultural, educational and community center.
