Obama Presidential Center Opens to the Public
On June 18, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center was officially unveiled with a dynamic ceremony livestreamed globally. Relive this milestone moment and celebrate our new hub for hope and change.
President Obama spoke about our shared American values and our collective responsibility to strengthen democracy at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center.
In electrifying remarks at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, Mrs. Obama called on all of us choose hope.
The ceremony included performances by Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Tems, The Roots, U2’s Bono and The Edge, and Uniting Voices Chicago.
“We wanted the center to be a vibrant, living celebration of community, where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play, because it’s in those moments that we’re reminded of our common humanity and strengthen the bonds of trust that not only make our lives richer, but make our democracy stronger.”
– President Obama, Grand Opening Ceremony, June 18, 2026
source: https://www.obama.org/visit/grand-opening/livestream/
photo cred: (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/06/18/obama-center-opening-celebrities/
PUBLISHED: June 18, 2026 at 4:15 PM CDT | UPDATED: June 19, 2026 at 10:34 AM CDT
