CHICAGO — The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on Chicago’s South Side on Friday, drawing thousands of visitors to the long-awaited campus dedicated to the legacy of former President Barack Obama while prompting mixed reactions from residents, community groups and political observers.
The 19-acre complex in Jackson Park officially welcomed visitors on Juneteenth following a dedication ceremony on Thursday attended by Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, three other former U.S. presidents and a range of civic and cultural leaders. The center includes a museum, public gathering spaces, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, recreational facilities and landscaped park areas, according to the Obama Foundation.
Speaking during the opening events, Obama said the center was intended to inspire civic participation and community engagement. “We can join together and make the country better,” he said in remarks reported by media outlets covering the dedication ceremony.
Supporters described the opening as a major cultural and economic milestone for Chicago’s South Side. City officials and foundation representatives said the center would attract visitors from around the United States and abroad while providing educational programming and public amenities for local residents.
The project, which cost about $850 million according to the Obama Foundation and media reports, was announced more than a decade ago and underwent years of planning, fundraising and construction before opening this week.
At the same time, some community advocates and neighborhood residents continued to express concerns about rising housing costs and the potential displacement of long-term residents in nearby communities, including Woodlawn and South Shore. Local organizations have argued that increased investment linked to the center has contributed to higher rents and property values in parts of the area.
Community leaders who support the project have also called for additional measures to preserve affordable housing and ensure that economic benefits reach existing residents. According to reporting by The Guardian, some advocacy groups have sought stronger protections against displacement as development around the center continues.
The opening ceremonies featured performances by prominent musicians and appearances by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden. President Donald Trump did not attend the event.
As of Friday, the museum and campus were open to the public as part of a four-day series of grand-opening celebrations scheduled through the weekend. Foundation officials said community events, educational programs and public activities would continue on Saturday and Sunday.
