Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are set to celebrate the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago with the help of some of the world’s biggest music and entertainment stars.
The dedication ceremony on Thursday will feature performances and appearances from Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bono and Christina Aguilera, alongside a distinguished guest list that includes former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Both Barack and Michelle Obama are expected to deliver remarks during the invitation-only event, which will be livestreamed to audiences around the world. The ceremony marks the beginning of a weekend of celebrations surrounding the official opening of the Obama Presidential Center, which welcomes the public on Juneteenth.
The event will also feature appearances by a host of acclaimed entertainers, including Common, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, John Legend, Marc Anthony and The Roots.
According to Valerie Jarrett, the celebration is designed to inspire visitors and reflect the values that shaped the Obama presidency.
The $850 million Obama Presidential Center is located in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park on the city’s South Side, close to where Obama launched his political career and lived before entering the White House.
The nearly 20-acre campus includes a landmark museum dedicated to Obama’s personal journey and presidency, along with community-focused facilities such as a public library branch, athletic center, basketball courts, playgrounds and public gathering spaces.
Officials expect the center to become one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, drawing more than one million visitors annually. Interest has already been exceptionally strong, with general admission tickets sold out through the end of October.
Notably absent from the guest list is Donald Trump, who previously criticized the project on social media earlier this year.
The opening of the Obama Presidential Center marks a major milestone for the Obama Foundation and creates a lasting institution dedicated to civic engagement, leadership development and the legacy of America’s first Black president.
