Obama celebrates opening of his presidential museum with call to citizenship

CHICAGO — Former U.S. President Barack Obama urged Americans to reject political cynicism and division and to recommit to shared civic responsibility during the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday.

The 44th president, who left office nearly a decade ago, led a crowd of thousands at the music-filled ceremony marking the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, a lakeside campus dedicated to preserving and honoring his administration. The complex is located on Chicago’s South Side, a historically underserved area where Obama lived and built his early political career.

He was joined by former first lady Michelle Obama, along with other prominent guests, including former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as international figures including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also attended.

The $850 million project, funded through private donations via the Obama Foundation, officially opens to the public on Friday. Organizers say it is the largest single investment in Chicago’s South Side in decades, aiming to serve as a cultural and civic hub for the community.

The sprawling campus includes a museum dedicated to Obama’s life and presidency from 2009 to 2017, along with a performing arts center, library branch, athletic facilities, gardens, and public green spaces. The centerpiece museum tower has drawn mixed architectural reactions but is intended to symbolize civic unity and democratic engagement.

In her remarks, Michelle Obama reflected on legacy and public service, praising her husband’s optimism and resilience. She emphasized that a meaningful legacy is measured not by wealth or titles, but by the impact made on others.

In his own speech, Barack Obama acknowledged that calls for democratic participation can feel outdated in times of political uncertainty but urged citizens not to abandon core democratic values. He warned that disengagement could allow division and inequality to deepen, stressing that democracy depends on active participation and shared responsibility.

“Democracy is hard, but it requires effort,” he said, adding that the center should stand as a reminder of what can be achieved when people commit to civic life.

The ceremony also featured performances by prominent musicians and drew thousands of attendees, with additional spectators watching via livestream and public viewing areas nearby.

Organizers expect the Obama Presidential Center to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, positioning it as both a memorial to Obama’s presidency and a long-term investment in public engagement and cultural life on Chicago’s South Side. -Reporting by Renee Hickman in Chicago; Writing and additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Emily Schmall and Bianca Flowers in Chicago; Editing by Donna Bryson and Matthew Lewis/Reuters