Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center opening ceremony 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 and first ladies gather for Obama center 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.
Crowds gather For Obama Presidential Center 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.
The Roots perform at Obama center opening ceremony in Chicago
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.
David Letterman appears at Obama center opening ceremony in Chicago
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.
Tom Hanks welcomes guests at Obama center opening ceremony in Chicago
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 Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive
(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.
Jennifer Hudson sings "The Star-Spangled Banner"
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.
Steven Spielberg, Jill Vedder talk outside Obama Presidential Center
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.
Stephen Colbert, Conan O'Brien share words at 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.
Oprah Winfrey arrives at Obama center opening ceremony in Chicago
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.
Nancy and Paul Pelosi arrive at Obama center opening ceremony in Chicago
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.
The Obamas react to Martin Nesbitt's "tan suit" moment
Former US president Barack Obama (L), and his wife former First Lady Michelle Obama react as Martin Nesbitt (R) arrives during the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026.
Martin Nesbitt shares thoughts ahead of Obama center opening in Chicago
Chair of the Obama Foundation Board Marty Nesbitt speaks 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.
Crowds gather to witness Obama center opening ceremony in Chicago
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.
George Lucas, Mellody Hobson arrive at Obama center opening 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.
Michelle Obama, George W. Bush share pleasantries at Obama Presidential Center
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 at Obama center opening 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.
John Legend, Common perform Oscar-winning song "Glory"
John Legend and Common perform with Uniting Voices Chicago 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.
Crowds gather on John Lewis Plaza outside Obama Presidential Center
People watch 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.
Eddie Vedder shreds during Obama center opening ceremony
Eddie Vedder (R) performs with Guitars Over Guns 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.
Church fans bearing Obama Presidential Center logo distributed to crowd
A person hands out fans 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.
Dignitaries sit poised at Obama center opening ceremony
Sasha Obama, daughter of former US President Barack Obama, from left, Malia Obama, daughter of former US President Barack Obama, former US First Lady Michelle Obama, and former US President Barack Obama, during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda - and broader diversity initiatives - are wilting from a decade of concerted attack.
Christina Aguilera performs "What a Wonderful World"
US singer Christina Aguilera performs at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026.
Former President Obama speaks ahead of presidential center opening
Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks 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.
