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:
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.
The historic Obama Presidential Center grand opening Thursday drew thousands to Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side.
Many in the local community said they are delighted and inspired by the new museum.
The Obama Center will open to the public on Friday, Juneteenth.
Thousands of people streamed out of Midway Plaisance shortly after 2 p.m., with attendees and observers describing the afternoon as relatively orderly despite the size of the crowd.
Even with a maze of nearby street closures, both pedestrian and vehicle traffic appeared to move steadily.
Attendees said travel to and from the event was easier than expected, with many opting for public transportation. A Metra stop and CTA bus stops located near Midway Plaisance helped accommodate the crowds, contributing to what some called a smooth experience.
"It was not what I expected at all. I was definitely expecting something that was going to be chaotic and hard to get in. It was very smooth," said Princess Shaw, who attended the watch party.
Others said they anticipated heavy congestion and planned accordingly by avoiding driving.
"We did prepare for a lot of traffic, and that's why we didn't bring the car. We took the train. So much easier just to get on the train, and Metra just recently opened up a lot of new times for people on the South Side to be able to get to the Obama Center," said Daniel Bobo-Jones, another attendee.
Security and organization at the site also drew positive feedback.
"Getting in was easy. Security was great, had no problems. You felt safe. You know, there was no drama, no anything," said Genores Robinson, who attended the event.
While many relied on public transit, at least one attendee reported being able to arrive by car shortly before the watch party began and find parking nearby on 59th Street.
Thousands attended a watch party on Chicago's South Side Thursday for the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center.
Nancy Nettsi Hardy Rogers said she got there at 6 a.m. and was among the first allowed in.
"I am overwhelmed to see the people, the community come to the South Side of Chicago. I'm from the South Side, and I'm enjoying it," Nettsi Hardy Rogers said.
Music and dance parties popped up all over the lawn.
"Much fun, there was free food. My friends and I are dancing; it's a beautiful day. God blessed us with with a beautiful day," Laura Cabral said.
"It's been overwhelmingly fun; there's been dance. There have been all sorts of performers we would have never gotten to hear before all together," Karen Riel said.
Those who attended said they felt like they were part of what the Obamas created in Jackson Park.
"This has been electrifying; it is exciting to see all the growth and movement on the South Side. We're excited about the playground; we are excited about the library. It's a great place to be; it's just a ray of sunshine and hope," Lana McKinney said.
Obama exited the stage as the grand opening ceremony culminated on Thursday.
