The Obama Presidential Center held its dedication ceremony Thursday in Chicago, drawing four former presidents and a host of celebrities. The event marked the opening of the long-delayed complex on the city's South Side.
Former presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush attended along with their spouses and other political figures including Kamala Harris. Musical performances featured artists such as Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and Stevie Wonder.
Michelle Obama spoke about equality and immigration during the ceremony. Barack Obama emphasized the center's role in inspiring future generations rather than evoking nostalgia.
The center, built at a cost of 830 million dollars, is not part of the federal presidential library system. Presidential papers remain in Maryland.
It opens to the public on Juneteenth with adult admission priced at 30 dollars.
