In photos: Star-studded crowd gathers to celebrate the Obama Presidential Center dedication
Barack Obama opened his presidential center in Chicago with former presidents, celebrities and dignitaries in attendance. President Donald Trump was absent.
TL;DR
- The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago officially opened with a dedication ceremony.
- The $850 million campus was over a decade in the making and opens to the public on Friday.
- The event drew a large number of dignitaries, celebrities, and musical performers.
- All living former presidents and first ladies attended, with the exception of Donald and Melania Trump.
- Barack Obama spoke about his personal connection to Chicago and the importance of democratic values.
- He specifically mentioned the belief in the peaceful transfer of power following fair elections.