The Barack and Michelle Obama presidential centre opened in Chicago on Monday with a ceremony attended by hundreds of dignitaries, including former president Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and a host of celebrities. The event took place under a heavy security lockdown, with the Chicago police department deploying thousands of officers and the Secret Service coordinating a multi-agency operation.
The centre, located in the city's Jackson Park on the South Side, is designed to serve as a library, museum, and community hub. It has been under construction for four years at a cost of approximately $830m. The Obamas have said the centre is intended to be a living institution, not just a repository of documents and artefacts from the former president's two terms in office.
In his address, Mr Obama spoke about the symbolic importance of the site, which was part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. He framed the centre as a place where ordinary citizens could engage with the democratic process and where future leaders would be nurtured. Michelle Obama also addressed the audience, emphasising the centre's role in empowering young people and fostering community ties.
The ceremony featured performances by Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, and John Legend. Among the attendees were Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, and Tom Hanks. The presence of high-profile figures, combined with public concerns over protests and potential security threats, led authorities to implement an extensive security perimeter. Roads around Jackson Park were closed, and public transport was diverted. Residents in nearby neighbourhoods reported a heavy police presence, including snipers on rooftops and bomb-sniffing dogs.
The opening of the centre has been a contentious issue for some local residents, who have raised concerns about increased traffic, gentrification, and the displacement of low-income families. The Obama Foundation has pledged to create economic opportunities for the surrounding community, including job training programmes and small business support. However, some activists have criticised the foundation for failing to include residents in decision-making processes.
The centre is expected to draw more than 700,000 visitors annually, according to the foundation's projections. It will open to the public next month, though tickets will be required for entry.
President Joe Biden did not attend the ceremony, but he released a statement praising the Obamas for their continued service to the country. The White House confirmed that Mr Biden had spoken with Mr Obama earlier in the day.
The security lockdown is scheduled to be lifted by Tuesday morning, though some restrictions will remain in place for the public opening.
