Jun 18, 2026, 5:53 PM GMT
U2's Bono and The Edge perform
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Thousands attend Obama Center opening ceremony; center opens to public Friday | LIVE Updates
Last updated: Friday, June 19, 2026 3:27AM GMT
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:
Key Headlines
- 32 minutes ago
- Jun 18, 2026, 10:09 PM GMT
- Jun 18, 2026, 6:17 PM GMT
- Jun 18, 2026, 7:24 PM GMT
- Jun 18, 2026, 5:49 PM GMT
- Jun 18, 2026, 4:37 PM GMT
- Jun 15, 2026, 7:07 PM GMT
Here's how the news is developing.
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, 6:17 PM GMT
Michelle Obama at ceremony: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart'
Michelle Obama spoke at the ceremony and thanked the community.
She spoke praises about her husband, and how proud he made the country.
Jun 18, 2026, 6:05 PM GMT
Cheryl Burton scholarship recipient introduces former first lady Michelle Obama
The recipient of a scholarship from ABC7 Chicago's Cheryl Burton introduced former first lady Michelle Obama Thursday.
Addison Belhomme received Burton's scholarship at Lindblom Math and Science Academy last year.
Jun 18, 2026, 5:49 PM GMT
John Legend, Common perform 'Glory'
John Legend performs "Someday We'll All Be Free" by Donny Hathaway.
Common joined to perform with the United Voices of Chicago choir to perform "Glory."
