CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Obama Presidential Center has officially opened to the public.
Thousands attended the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening ceremony Thursday.
Here's what to know about the events.
Watch the full opening ceremony below:
The Obama Presidential Center officially opened to the public Friday.
"I am so fantastic. I have never seen anything like this in my whole entire life," Adrienne Afflalo said.
Afflalo was one of the lucky few to snag a ticket for Friday.
"It's just a wonderful thing the Lord has done for this area, and I appreciate Obama and his family wanting here in this area," Marjorie Blakely said.
Blakely and her son, Antonio Terry, stopped by to take a photo in front of the center on their way back to their new home in Nashville.
"I'm a doctoreal student at Tennessee State University, and Obama center was opened on the same day, Juneteenth, a celebration for Black Americans," Terry said.
Artist T.M. Noel traveled to share his artwork, entitled "The Weight of the World and FLOTUS," which he says was inspired by the Obamas' time in the White House.
"We look at Barack and Michelle as hope, and we want that hope," Noel said.
Ron Schafetz and his dogs, Penny and Pippen, wanted to celebrate the moment with a creative photo by the statue of fellow dog lovers, the Obamas.
He said Friday is about hope and joy.
"Whatever it takes to get everybody happy," Schafetz said.
The Obama Presidential Center opens soon, and there are openings and closings to navigate.
Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 6 a.m.
Blackstone, from Midway Plaisance to 60th St. - no parking both sides of the street.
60th St. from Dorchester to Blackstone.
Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. - Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m.
60th St. from Dorchester to Stony Island - no parking both sides of the street.
60th St. from Blackstone to Stony Island EB
Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. through Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Dorchester to Stony Island EB and WB
Blackstone, from 59th St. to Midway Plaisance
Cornell, from Stony Island to 57th St.
Stony Island, from Midway Plaisance to 63rd St.
Stony Island, from 59th St. to 57th St.
59th St. EB, from Harper to Stony Island.
Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Saturday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Woodlawn to Blackstone.
Dorchester, from 59th to 60th St.
Wednesday, June 17 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 6 a.m.
Woodlawn, from 59th to 60th St.
Midway Plaisance, from Ellis to Woodlawn.
Sidewalk restrictions
Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. - Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m.
60th St. from Dorchester to Stony Island.
Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Dorchester to Stony Island.
Blackstone, from 59th St. to Midway Plaisance.
Cornell, from Stony Island to 57th St.
Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Saturday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Midway Plaisance, from Woodlawn to Blackstone.
Dorchester, from 59th St. to 60th St.
At 9 a.m. entry began to the free and officials watch party for the grand opening ceremony.
Space for the watch party is limited.
Those interested in attending were asked to fill out a request form by May 26.
ABC7's Sam Chatman caught up with John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen ahead of the grand opening ceremony Thursday.
"We are honored to be here," Legend said.
When asked if he could share what he would be performing, Legend said: "It's very Chicago-related!"
The Obamas have had a busy since they arrived to Chicago last weekend.
Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama surprised former administration and campaign staffers at a reunion event at the Salt Shed on Wednesday.
Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of the Obama Foundation, said many people have lots of emotion on seeing the presidential center for the first time.
"In part because it is a trip down memory lane but it is also a way for them to interact and to tell their stories see their stories and the stories that we well and feel this connection and a sense of belonging and fun. People all over this campus are having a terrific time and it's a gift to Chicago but it is also a beacon of hope to the world."
