A dedication ceremony for former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday featured the Obama family, as well as several other former presidents, first ladies, Cabinet members, and politicians. The center, which opens publicly June 19 in time for Juneteenth and America 250 celebrations, has a 235-foot tower with a museum, a branch […]
A dedication ceremony for former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday featured the Obama family, as well as several other former presidents, first ladies, Cabinet members, and politicians.
The center, which opens publicly June 19 in time for Juneteenth and America 250 celebrations, has a 235-foot tower with a museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, and sports courts. The site is intended to function as a community center in Chicago’s South Side.
Here are some of the best moments from the opening, in photos:
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<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening.webp” height=”683″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening.webp” alt=”Obama Presidential Center” class=”wp-image-4614786″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp 3000w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-13.webp?resize=1920,1280 1920w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
The Obama Presidential Center is seen ahead of the dedication ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AP26169572076023-e1781870925739.jpg?w=696″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-1.webp” alt=”All former presidents and first ladies at at Obama Presidential Center” class=”wp-image-4614770″><figcaption class=)
Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden, from left, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening.jpg” height=”683″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening.jpg” alt=”Barack and Michelle Obama at the presidential center opening” class=”wp-image-4614691″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp 4896w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-17.webp?resize=1920,1280 1920w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are introduced during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-2.webp” height=”683″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-2.webp” alt=”Obama Presidential Center” class=”wp-image-4614787″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp 3000w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-21.webp?resize=1920,1280 1920w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
The Chicago Public Library at the Obama Presidential Center is seen ahead of the dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-4.webp” height=”683″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-4.webp” alt=”Gavin Newsom and Oprah Winfrey at Obama Presidential Center” class=”wp-image-4614769″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp 3000w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-28.webp?resize=1920,1280 1920w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), right, speaks with Oprah Winfrey ahead of the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-1.jpg” height=”682″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-1.jpg” alt=”Former presidents pose for a photo as the obama presidential center opening” class=”wp-image-4614698″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp 2752w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=1024,682 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-31.webp?resize=1920,1280 1920w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
Former President Joe Biden, from left, former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton, pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-5.webp” height=”683″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-5.webp” alt=”Former first ladies pose for a photo at the obama presidential center reopening” class=”wp-image-4614699″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp 2180w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-35.webp?resize=1920,1281 1920w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
Former first lady Jill Biden, from left, former first lady Michelle Obama, former first lady Laura Bush, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pose for a photo ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-6.webp” height=”682″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-6.webp” alt=”michelle obama and george w bush pose for photos at the presidential center opening” class=”wp-image-4614693″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp 2797w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=1024,682 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-38.webp?resize=1920,1280 1920w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
Former President Bill Clinton smiles as former President George W. Bush gives former first lady Michelle Obama mints ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)</p>
<p> ” data-large-file=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-7.webp” height=”683″ width=”1024″ src=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-7.webp” alt=”George W. Bush and Michelle Obama share a laugh” class=”wp-image-4614720″ srcset=”https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp 6000w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=300,200 300w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=768,512 768w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=1024,683 1024w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=150,100 150w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=696,464 696w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=1068,712 1068w, https://conservativemodern.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/photos-best-moments-from-obamas-presidential-center-opening-41.webp?resize=1920,1280 1920w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px”><figcaption class=)
Former President George W. Bush laughs with former first lady Michelle Obama as former first lady Jill Biden and former first lady Laura Bush watch, ahead of the dedication ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool)
