Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago

Fomer US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama arrive at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

(L-R) 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 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, on June 18, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

People attend a watch party for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center along the Midway Plaisance in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

The Roots perform during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

David Letterman attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

Tom Hanks attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

(L-R) Former second gentleman Doug Emhoff and former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris wave as they arrive to the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

Jennifer Hudson performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

Jill Vedder and Steven Spielberg attend the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

US comedians Stephen Colbert (L) and Conan O’Brien (R) speak during the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

Oprah Winfrey attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (R) and her husband Paul Pelosi attend the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

People attend a watch party for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center along the Midway Plaisance in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

George Lucas (L) and his wife Mellody Hobson attend the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

Former President Barack Obama (L) watches as former President George W. Bush (C), gives former first lady Michelle Obama mints ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, on June 17, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.

Former Presidents Gather For Obama Presidential Library Dedication Ceremony

(L-R) Former President Joe Biden, 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, on June 18, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.