Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Events Held June 18-20

CHICAGO — The Obama Presidential Center opens June 19 in Chicago, coinciding with the Juneteenth federal holiday.
“We are so excited to welcome our neighbors on the South Side, people across the city of Chicago, and visitors from around the globe to the Obama Presidential Center, starting with our free Grand Opening Weekend festival,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “These celebratory programs are only the beginning of the fun ways in which we will welcome visitors to campus. We will foster a spirit of civic engagement and joy. ”
A star-studded opening ceremony is being held the day before the presidential center opens to the public. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) on Thursday, the grand opening ceremony will be streamed on the Obama Foundation’s YouTube and social media accounts, and on CBSChicago.com.
Scheduled performers include The Roots, Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Marc Anthony, U2’s Bono and The Edge, Tems, and actress and producer Marsai Martin are also slated to perform.
“The livestreamed event brings together global leaders, artists, changemakers, and citizens for an inspiring celebration of the values that shaped the Obama presidency and continues to inspire people everywhere to believe in their power to create change,” according to the Obama Presidential Center’s website.
The highly anticipated center has been more than a decade in the making, costing $850 million to build. The Obama Presidential Center is not just a single building, but an entire campus, designed by the architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. The center features 28 new, site-specific installations from some of the most important artists today. The design shifts the traditional concept of an archival presidential library into a sprawling 19.3-acre campus that offers a museum, community events, a fruit and vegetable garden, NBA regulation-sized basketball court, and a new branch of the Chicago Public Library.
As part of the Obama Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect visitors and reflecting the Obamas’ legacy from their time in the White House, programming at the Center throughout the rest of the year will offer diverse experiences connected to arts and culture, civics and democracy, gardening and food, and sports and well-being.
Troughout July and August, the Center will welcome visitors and community members from across the city and beyond for its “You Are America” summer series of talks, films, and community events honoring the 250th anniversary of America. The series will kick off with a free Independence Day celebration “The People’s Fourth,” featuring live music, self-guided tours, and family-friendly activities across the campus.
Summer Garden Gatherings will be hosted in the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden every other week from July 12 to September 20, in partnership with Urban Growers Collective.
An all-ages celebration of President Obama’s birthday on August 4 with a karaoke DJ set will invite visitors to join the experience by singing classics from soul, R&B, and contemporary music.
At Your Pace, the Center’s walk-run club led by Peace Runners 773, will encourage physical activity, healthy habits and social connection through guided wellness activities, designed by and for our South Side community. This walk-run club is a 10-week registration-based program for adults age 50 and older that will meet weekly Thursday mornings from August 6 to October 8.
Talks, performances, and special program experiences will feature thought leaders, creatives, and Obama Presidential Center commissioned artists.
Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama got a first look at their official library portrait on Sunday, June 14. Painted by internationally renowned artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the massive painting of the Obamas features them sitting in a vibrant, colorful environment with references to their life together, their family and key moments in their marriage and the White House.
“It’s us,” the former first lady, 62, said in a video posted to social media on Monday. “And all of the stories within the stories.”