A star-studded crowd gathers to celebrate the dedication of the Obama Presidential Center
Former American president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama came to the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
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Former President Barack Obama opened his long-awaited presidential center in Chicago on Thursday, drawing former presidents, dignitaries, celebrities and musicians to an invitation-only dedication ceremony on the city’s South Side.
The Obama Presidential Center, an $850 million facility more than ten years in the making, officially opens to the public on Friday. Thursday’s event featured guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Stephen Colbert and Tom Hanks, with performances by Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, The Roots, Christina Aguilera and more.
All living former presidents and first ladies — with the exception of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump — were in attendance.
Obama used the occasion to honor Chicago, the city where he began his political career, raised his family and found a community that helped shape his presidency.
“I found my purpose here, and I strengthened my faith here, and I found my community here,” Obama said.
The former president also outspokenly defended the principles of democracy, saying the institute was meant to advance “the shared values that make democracy possible,” including “the belief in the peaceful transfer of power after the people have had their say in fair and free elections.”
(LR) Former President Joe Biden, former first lady Jill Biden, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pose for a photo before the dedication ceremony.
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The former President of the United States Mr. Barack Obama waving while attending the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center accompanied by Michelle Obama, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama.
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Christina Aguilera is playing.
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Tom Hanks attended the dedication ceremony.
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Jennifer Hudson plays.
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Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (R) and her husband Paul Pelosi attended the dedication ceremony.
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George Lucas (L) and his wife Mellody Hobson share.
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David Letterman reacts during the dedication ceremony.
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Former German chancellor Angela Merkel arrives.
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(LR) Former second lieutenant Doug Emhoff and former US Vice President Kamala Harris raise their hands as they arrive at the dedication ceremony.
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American singer Eddie Vedder sings.
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(LR) Former US President Barack Obama, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, and Sasha Obama cheer after a performance by Eddie Vedder and Guitars Over Guns.
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(LR) Former US President George W. Bush, Former US President Joe Biden and Former First Lady Jill Biden.
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Tems is playing.
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Former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama laugh.
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Marc Anthony is playing.
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Former US President Barack Obama, left, and former wife of US President Michelle Obama during the opening of the President Obama Center.
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Former US president Barack Obama speaks.
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Bruce Springsteen is playing.
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Stevie Wonder is playing.
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