Thousands attend Obama Center opening ceremony; center opens to public Friday | LIVE Updates

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Last updated: Thursday, June 18, 2026 8:54PM GMT
Former President Barack Obama speaks at opening of Chicago presidential center

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands attended the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening ceremony Thursday.

The center opens to the public Friday.

Here's what to know about the events.

Watch the full opening ceremony below:

Obama Presidential Center Opening Ceremony Part 1

Obama Presidential Center Opening Ceremony Part 2

Obama Presidential Center Opening Ceremony Part 3

Leah Hope Image
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.

4:37 PM GMT

Chicago-native Jennifer Hudson sings 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

Chicago-native Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner."

WATCH: Jennifer Hudson sings 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' 'The Impossible Dream'

Hudson also sang a rendition of "The Impossible Dream" from Broadway musical "Man of La Mancha."

4:29 PM GMT

Pastor Joel Hunter, Joshua DuBois lead prayer

Pastor Joel Hunter and Joshua DuBois lead the prayer for the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony.

Obama center grand opening: Invocation by Joshua DuBois & Pastor Joel Hunter
4:16 PM GMT

Former presidents Biden, Bush, Clinton join Obama in Chicago

Former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton joined Obama ahead of the ceremony in Chicago.

Joe and Jill Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, George W. and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony.
Joe and Jill Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, George W. and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony.
4:20 PM GMT

Opening ceremony officially kicks off

The opening ceremony is officially underway as former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush entered, followed by former President Barack Obama and his family.

Former Presidents Clinton and Bush enter ahead of former President Barack Obama and his family.