A dedication ceremony for former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday featured the Obama family, as well as several other former presidents, first ladies, Cabinet members, and politicians.
The center, which opens publicly June 19 in time for Juneteenth and America 250 celebrations, has a 235-foot tower with a museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, and sports courts. The site is intended to function as a community center in Chicago’s South Side.
Here are some of the best moments from the opening, in photos:
Advertisement
The Obama Presidential Center is seen ahead of the dedication ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden, from left, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are introduced during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)The Chicago Public Library at the Obama Presidential Center is seen ahead of the dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)Former President Barack Obama, right, shares a laugh with former first lady Michelle Obama, left, on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), right, speaks with Oprah Winfrey ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Former President Joe Biden, from left, former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)Former first lady Jill Biden, from left, former first lady Michelle Obama, former first lady Laura Bush, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)Former President Bill Clinton smiles as former President George W. Bush gives former first lady Michelle Obama mints ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)Former President George W. Bush laughs with former first lady Michelle Obama as former first lady Jill Biden and former first lady Laura Bush watch, ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)
Sasha Obama, left, and Malia Obama sit on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., left, and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., arrive ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Singer Christina Aguilera performs during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Jennifer Hudson performs during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau arrives during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)
