Former President Barack Obama is marking a major milestone with some high-profile help as his presidential museum in Chicago prepares to open its doors.
Thursday’s invitation-only dedication ceremony will feature performances from Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are also on the guest list.
Both Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are expected to deliver remarks at the event. The celebration will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, and it launches a full weekend of activities surrounding the Obama Presidential Center, which will open to the general public on Juneteenth.
President Donald Trump is not listed among the announced attendees. He referred to the $850 million center as a “total disaster” in a February social media post.
Additional celebrities set to appear Thursday include Common, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, John Legend, Marc Anthony and The Roots.
Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation’s chief executive and a former top adviser to Obama, described the vision behind the event: “We hope to inspire people everywhere to believe in their power to bring change home.” She added that the ceremony “will reflect a spirit of inspiration and joy, with a big boost from the performers who are sharing their talent with us.”
Tens of thousands of people have already gotten an early look at the nearly 20-acre campus situated in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, though general admission tickets are sold out through the end of October.
The center sits near the neighborhood where Obama once lived and launched his political career. It is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors each year. The campus is located adjacent to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in the lakefront park, not far from the University of Chicago.
The sprawling complex features a towering museum dedicated to both the political legacy and personal life of the nation’s first Black president. Public amenities on the grounds include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground, an athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills.
