June 18, 2026
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The stars aligned to celebrate the opening ceremony of former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center.

Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Tyler Perry, Bruce Springsteen and Oprah Winfrey were among the A-listers in attendance at the event in Chicago on Thursday.

Aguilera, along with Springsteen, Wonder and John Legend, performed at the high-profile event, with former President Bill Clinton, his wife, Hilary Clinton and Valerie Jarrett watching from the audience.

Several celebrities came together to celebrate the opening ceremony of former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center in Chicago. (Seen above: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton). VICTOR HILITSKI/EPA/Shutterstock
Christina Aguilera (seen above) was one of the performers. Getty Images
Tom Hanks was in attendance. Getty Images
Oprah Winfrey also made an appearance. Getty Images

Pearl Jam singer and guitarist Eddie Vedder, rapper Common, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Hudson also brought the crowd to their feet with special performances.

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Former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared in good spirits while sitting with fellow attendees.

Karlie Kloss, who is married to Joshua Kushner, beamed while standing alongside New York Times bestselling author Derek Blasberg.

John Legend performed. REUTERS
Common also entertained the audience. Getty Images
Tyler Perry was among the selected guests. REUTERS
Derek Blasberg and Karlie Kloss were all smiles. REUTERS

Additionally, Michelle and Barack’s daughters, Sasha and Malia, also joined the festivities and appeared at the main stage with their famous parents.

The family of four watched the ceremony from behind bulletproof glass.

Despite several former presidents attending the ceremony, President Donald Trump was notably not present.

Eddie Vedder put on a show-stopping performance. Getty Images
Jennifer Hudson also attended and sang. VICTOR HILITSKI/EPA/Shutterstock
Former President Bill Clinton was seen with his wife, Hilary Clinton. AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Michelle Obama posed with former President George W. Bush. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/UPI/Shutterstock

Attendance was limited at the invite-only event. However, thousands gathered at the nearby Midway Plaisance city park for a watch party.

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The Obama Center is a 19-acre campus located in the historic Jackson Park on the state’s south side.

The expansive campus features a museum of democracy, a library, a Women’s Garden to honor female leaders in the state, a mini lake with a path known as the Wetland Walk, and an NBA regulation-size court.

Malia Obama and Sasha Obama (seen above with their parents) supported their father at the star-studded event. Getty Images
Valerie Jarrett spoke at the dedication ceremony. REUTERS
Joe Biden and Jill Biden sat with former presidents. Getty Images

Additional immersive experiences at the site include the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden, where guests can learn how to grow their own food, a playground, and a massive 58,000 square foot lawn for picnics and lounging.

There is also a performing arts building known as The Forum, where performances will be hosted at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, and the creative community can gather at the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium.

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The highly anticipated $850 million campus will open on Friday, Juneteenth, after being in the works for more than a decade.

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