--- title: "Barack Obama opens his presidential centre — Family, friends, the faithful and the famous" description: "Family, friends, celebrities and Democrats flocked to Chicago, Illinois, to witness former US president Barack Obama open his eponymous presidential centre. Housing a museum, library and education project, the centre commemorates Obama’s presidency from 2009–2017. He was the first African American to hold the office." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "IN PICTURES" author: "Daily Maverick Photo Team" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/photo-team/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-06-19-barack-obama-opens-his-presidential-centre-family-friends-the-faithful-and-the-famous/" published: "2026-06-19T20:28:17" updated: "2026-06-19T20:28:23" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 810 --- # Barack Obama opens his presidential centre — Family, friends, the faithful and the famous > Family, friends, celebrities and Democrats flocked to Chicago, Illinois, to witness former US president Barack Obama open his eponymous presidential centre. Housing a museum, library and education project, the centre commemorates Obama’s presidency from 2009–2017. He was the first African American to hold the office. By Daily Maverick Photo Team · Published 19 June 2026, 22:28 SAST · Updated 19 June 2026, 22:28 SAST ## Key points - Barack Obama officially ‘opens his presidential centre in Chicago, celebrating his legacy as the first African American president. - The centre features a museum, library, and educational project dedicated to his presidency from 2009 to 2017. - The event showcases a star-studded lineup of family, friends, and Democratic figures. - Obama’s centre aims to inspire future generations through its educational initiatives and cultural offerings. ## Content ![Barack Obama Presidential Centre](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/i7ca6X5XTJgVnqGRkgmqQ5JBTp4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282235598_858185.jpg) *Former US president Barack Obama speaks during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center at the John Lewis Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images)* ![Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Qpbsd4q5hf49Or9PkCMi35aeyn4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282248010_904041.jpg) *(From left) Sasha Obama, Malia Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former president Barack Obama, former president Bill Clinton and former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton attend the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on 18 June. (Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/abdVUQSpGx0MBkpU8CQNijxHp3Y=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282237323_467591.jpg) *People watch as Barack Obama speaks during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images)* ![Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago,](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/7d0hsQa4J58Q_ac8V6FBtk0ZyAg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282242878_266952.jpg) *Former US president Joe Biden attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KSwB140JsZBxdkWZ89ffgJvtyQg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282241290_639477.jpg) *Stevie Wonder was one of many musical legends to perform at the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images)* ![Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois,](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KyawxHkoqcgpR8_vmlna7JvqdFs=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282240025_623123.jpg) *Bruce Springsteen performs at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images)* ![People hold fans as they listen to former US president Barack Obama speak during the dedication ceremony for the opening of his presidential centre](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mUrYmvyNc5T4Eq-1nulXtgUH1og=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282239629_106171.jpg) *People hold fans as they listen to former US president Barack Obama speak during the dedication ceremony for the opening of his presidential centre in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026. (Photo: Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/pTirBh22hNjX3Pt21mdLcCoWT2s=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282232355_174270.jpg) *Bono (lefft) and The Edge of U2 perform at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 July 2026. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)* ![Hillary Clinton at Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/1aCo3nNyOV58VZEK8oivFI-JRTU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282228956_377918.jpg) *Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton looks on during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 July 2026. (Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images)* ![Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois,](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ZjzlhV9lxUpxkz8iHbld5ezrM5Q=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282227285_325921.jpg) *(From left) John Legend and Common perform with Uniting Voices Chicago at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)* ![Obama family at opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026.](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-gFEjtDafGDe2euaSa1hMK8JNsE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282226211_602187.jpg) *The former first family of the US – (from left) former president Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama – cheer after the performance of Eddie Vedder and Guitars Over Guns at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)* ![Barack Obama Presidential Center](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/gvaQBHfCupgPRcGZJ9zb1BN5YZg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282233766_536362.jpg) *Former first lady Michelle Obama and former US president Barack Obama listen to the music at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/hNAPZteSThVIJ4zl9sB2DRJofEw=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282232765_376721.jpg) *Tems performs at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images)* ![Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago,](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_n7QQzwnpj_ftKJS60xFknCQsoU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282214580_434438.jpg) *The Roots perform at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/v5VMIW-BgvZm0DywYpUSj6n8iZM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282217469_790752.jpg) *Former US president Barack Obama bows his head during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center at the John Lewis Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026 (Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Q-1zmgq7IMbGBF-SKvlwcKiWNss=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282222268_249839.jpg) *Christina Aguilera performs at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 18, 2026. (Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/eQwWlWIJGbdXfoYKmPBgsfw6F4s=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282219348_244090.jpg) *Jennifer Hudson (far right) performs at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images)* ![the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026.](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Ludo0aDIi1Xy2iayR_nyCnllntE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282220217_290865.jpg) *Hollywood director Steven Spielberg was among the many celebrities attending the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)* ![Statues of former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are seen outside the Barack Obama Presidential Center](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/hx81OVKM-dFpEVpVKAxmuW0THfk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282198089_892309.jpg) *Statues of former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are seen outside the Barack Obama Presidential Center ahead of a dedication ceremony in John Lewis Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/wOliTB-bbSh4pYeoj027h2NuODo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2281598347_635556.jpg) *Former President George W Bush (second from right) laughs with Michelle Obama (second from left) as fellow former first ladies Jill Biden (far left) and Laura Bush (far right) watch, ahead of the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais-Pool/Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/oERsEDf5qKd1qUaiA1WbFfApVeA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282212029_426261.jpg) *Tyler Perry attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/xtJvDeydX6oWoBz_hJ0SssI5BjU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282213174_400165.jpg) *Musician Jon Batiste attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/DOJHupOer_2HKtYoFcg2D75FCLU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282207912_178907.jpg) *LL Cool J attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Jim Vondruska / Getty Images)* ![Obama- Photo Essay](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/v7KnbAhRuf8NG_w3tzmIcbMRpFk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/GettyImages-2282198170_240483.jpg) *Guests arrive ahead of the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on 18 June 2026. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)*