Obama Presidential Center opens with star-studded celebration
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From left: Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden, 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 ahead of the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais-Pool/Getty Images
More than a decade in the making, the Obama Presidential Center opened Thursday on Chicago's South Side with four former presidents, A-list entertainers and thousands of visitors in attendance.
Why it matters: The $850 million center serves as the public home of President Obama's legacy and museum, while his presidential archives remain digital.
To say the event was star-studded is an understatement.
- Former Presidents Obama, Clinton, Bush and Biden sat onstage, while high-profile Democrats including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel were in the audience.
- Celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Tyler Perry, Dave Chappelle, Conan O'Brien, Quinta Brunson, David Letterman and Stephen Colbert were also in attendance.
- The Roots opened the ceremony before Jennifer Hudson delivered a rousing rendition of the national anthem. Later, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, John Legend, Common, Christina Aguilera and Bono took the stage.
- Visitors traveled from neighborhoods across Chicago and from countries across Africa to attend.
State of play: While the stars shone bright, the day belonged to the Obamas.
What they're saying: President Obama spoke about his move to Chicago as a community organizer.
- "I didn't know anybody," he told the crowd. "But I had been inspired by the civil rights movement and I knew I wanted to make a difference. It was here, in this city — the City of Broad Shoulders — that I found what I was looking for."
- "For me, this center could not be anyplace else."
Michelle Obama took the bulk of her speech to talk directly to her husband.
- "You told me all those years ago that you couldn't promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life," she said. "It has been an honor to be by your side."
- "You were unflappable at every turn. Always focused. Always calm. You were doing the people's work."
The intrigue: Several guests, including Colbert and Letterman, donned tan suits for the occasion, celebrating Obama's famous fashion choice.
The big picture: The center breaks from the traditional presidential library model. Obama's archives are stored digitally, so the South Side campus serves as a museum, civic space and community gathering place.
The star of the show is the campus itself. The 225-foot edifice towers over the South Side and the 19 acres are complete with a public library, walking trails, a playground and the John Lewis plaza, where the dedication took place.
- There is even an NBA-size basketball court.
Zoom out: While the center cements Obama's legacy, he and his family have made it clear this center stands for more. They hope it will be a boon to the South Side of Chicago.
The bottom line: "To my fellow South Siders, I want you all to make this campus a part of your lives," Michelle Obama said. "Use this campus to show off this place we call home."
Of note: President Trump was the only living current or former president not in attendance.
