Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to correct the date that the Obama Presidential Center will open to the public. We regret the error.
CHICAGO (WGN) – The Obama Presidential Center celebrated its opening Thursday with a ceremony full of music, speeches and stars.
President Barack Obama was joined by three former presidents in an event that brought together world leaders, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures.
Bono, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony and Eddie Vedder took turns on the stage ahead of planned performances by Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.
“I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is and remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens,” Obama told the crowd.
A look inside the Obama Presidential Center ahead of its opening
The nearly 20-acre campus, located in the city’s Jackson Park neighborhood on the South Side, will open to the public on Friday, June 19.
The center, which is expected to host somewhere between 600,000 and 1 million visitors per year, features art installations, a new library, a basketball court, and a picnic area with grills. The roughly $850 million project covers the political and personal realms of former President Obama and his family.”It exceeds my wildest expectations,” Valerie Jarrett, a longtime friend of the Obamas and CEO of the Obama Foundation, said. “I think we’ve done a great job. We worked with the community to help us on the design and the jobs and the feel.
“I think people will feel at home here. This is such a day of pride. Welcome to the Obama Presidential Center. I waited a long time to be able to say that.”
Barack and Michelle Obama greeted former Obama campaign and staff members Wednesday night during a special VIP event at the Salt Shed.
“It’s probably one of the most fabulous institutions that’s been opened up in the country,” Michelle said.
“I want people to go in there and be reminded of what’s possible,” Barack said.
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