Jun 18, 2026, 4:33 PM GMT
The Roots kick off Obama Presidential Center's grand opening ceremony
The Roots kicked off the Obama Presidential Center's Grand Opening ceremony.
Thousands attend star-studded Obama Center opening ceremony; center opens to public | Updates
Last updated: Monday, June 22, 2026 3:46PM GMT
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:
Key Headlines
- Jun 19, 2026, 4:28 PM GMT
- Jun 19, 2026, 3:27 AM GMT
- Jun 18, 2026, 10:09 PM GMT
- Jun 18, 2026, 6:17 PM GMT
- Jun 15, 2026, 7:07 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
Jun 19, 2026, 4:28 PM
Obama Presidential Center officially opens to public
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.
Jun 15, 2026, 7:07 PM
Road closures, parking restrictions in place ahead of Obama Presidential Center opening
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.
Jun 18, 2026, 10:11 PM GMT
Oprah, Gov. Newsom, Billie Jean King among dignitaries, celebrities at grand opening ceremony
Oprah, Tom Hanks and Billie Jean King were among the dignitaries and celebrities at the Obama center grand opening ceremony.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was also in attendance.
"At time of just so much anxiety, despair, so much negativity, focusing on what's wrong, it's nice to see the spirit elevated at a time when I don't care, Republican, Democrat, a Trump supporter or not. We all need our spirit elevated," Newsom said.
Newsom and others said the ceremony was a reminder of what was and what American can still become.
"It's so wonderful to have this moment come in our history, particularly at this time," Santita Jackson said.
And the ceremony was a big family reunion for all the people who worked for Obama at the White House and during his campaigns, including former Staffer Tommy Vietor, now a host of "Pod Save America."
"I love the combination of great music and fun bands and cool people, and then all the stuffy nerds I worked with at the White House. You can see some economists dancing with Stevie Wonder," Vietor said.
There was deep pride among people who worked with the former president when he began his political career on the South Side.
"We used to play golf just down the street at Jackson Park, and nobody knew who he was. He lived just down the street; his office was down the street. So this neighborhood's about him, and I'm really proud of everything that they've done," former campaign manager Dan Shoman said.
Jun 18, 2026, 3:47 PM GMT
Comedian Kat Williams in attendance at grand opening ceremony
ABC7's Sam Chatman spoke with comedian Kat Williams.
When asked why it was important for him to be in attendance, Williams said: "I am Black. I am Excellence."
Williams said he could feel that love built the center.
Jun 18, 2026, 2:22 PM GMT
Crowds begin to enter official watch party at Midway Plaisance
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.
