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The Obama Presidential Center hosted a four-day celebration in honor of the campus' highly anticipated public debut on Chicago's South Side.
The festivities kicked off on Thursday, June 18, with an invite-only Grand Opening Ceremony. All three other living former presidents, Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and the former First Ladies joined Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama on stage.
Other high-profile guests included Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Colbert, David Letterman, Dwayne Wade, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Tyler Perry, Tom Hanks and many more.
The ceremony was filled with stirring remarks, including Michelle Obama's viral speech, which brought her husband to tears.
In his remarks, President Obama said, "We wanted the center to be a vibrant, living celebration of community, where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play, because it’s in those moments that we’re reminded of our common humanity and strengthen the bonds of trust that not only make our lives richer, but make our democracy stronger."
The ceremony featured an A-list lineup of performances by Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, U2's Bono, Christina Aguilera, Common, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and more.
The next day, President and Michelle Obama surprised the Center's first 100 guests. Attendees, who ranged in age and came from across the country, had the chance to shake hands and chat with the Obamas.
They then read Where the Wild Things Are to a lucky group of children at the campus' new Chicago Public Library branch.
The weekend drew thousands of visitors. From the Grand Opening Ceremony to the free open-house celebration, filled with dancing, music and art, the opening weekend was a celebration of community.
The Obama Presidential Center is now open to the public at 6001 S. Stony Island Ave. in Jackson Park. Tickets are required, but Illinois residents get in for free on Tuesdays, and children two and under are always free.